The Hindu Editorial Analysis On BBC Documentary On PM Modi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) banned Controversial & Misinformed BBC Documentary On PM Modi Titled – ‘India: The Modi Question.’ The order was passed under the emergency provisions of the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
Significance Of Today’s The Hindu Editorial Analysis: Today’s The Hindu Editorial Analysis Is Significant For GS 2: IT Act, GS 3: Internal Security And IR.
What Is The Issue?
A Two Part British Broadcasting Company(BBC) Documentary(Aired on Jan. 17 2023 In UK) on PM Modi has recently been banned by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
Why India Banned The BBC Documentary On PM Modi?
- The External Affairs Ministry issued an official statement, calling BBC Documentary On PM Modi a ”Propaganda” and ”One Sided Story” which Is Full of ”Misinformation” & ”Colonial Mindset.”
- Later Ministry of Information and Broadcasting(MIB) issued directions to disable access to the first episode of BBC Documentary on websites using emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021 and Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.
- The MIB also blocked over 50 tweets with a link to the documentary.
What Does BBC Documentary On PM Modi Highlights?
- The first episode of the BBC documentary tracked Mr Modi’s first steps into politics, from his rise through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to his appointment as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat.
- It highlighted a previously unpublished report, obtained by the BBC from the UK foreign office, which raises questions about Mr Modi’s actions during the religious riots that broke out in Gujarat in 2002 after a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, killing dozens.
- More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the violence, some of the worst seen in India since Independence in 1947.
- The report claims that Mr Modi was “directly responsible” for the “climate of impunity” that enabled the violence.
Emergency Provisions In India For Banning Content
- IT Rules, 2021: Under the Information Technology Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021), the MIB has powers to issue content takedown notices to social media intermediaries like YouTube, Twitter and Facebook in emergency situations “for which no delay is acceptable”.
- What Does The Rule Say?: The Rules say that In case of emergency nature, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may, if he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient and justifiable for blocking for public access of any information or part thereof through any computer resource, etc.
- Basis Of Issuing Such Ban: These emergency notices can be issued if the MIB believes that the content can impact the sovereignty, integrity, defence, or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states or public order, or to prevent incitement to any cognisable offence.
