Islamabad: Supreme Court of India rejected request seeking ban on BBC in country over its documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported local Indian media.

Court, while rejecting petition filed by Hindu Sena Chief Vishnu Gupta who sought ban on BBC’s operations in India, said request was “Misconceived”. “How can documentary affect country,” Indian media quoted Supreme Court as saying. “This plea is misconceived, how can Supreme Court pass such orders,” judges said.

Documentary ‘India: Modi Question’ looks at tensions between Modi and country’s Muslim minority, “Investigating claims about his role in 2002 riots that left over thousand dead.” When film was released, those with knowledge of situation reported that I&B Ministry used emergency powers granted under Information Technology Rules, 2021 to compel removal of links and both YouTube and Twitter agreed to comply.

A top Indian university also banned screening of documentary, after students in New Delhi had planned to watch it, defying efforts by Indian authorities to restrict its showing. But memo from university’s registrar ordered students to cancel event and warned it would take “Strict disciplinary action” if its edict was disobeyed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 11 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.