20 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. The danger of a digital censor board
(Source – The Hindu, Opinion – Page No. – 9)
| Topic: GS2 –Indian Polity |
| Context |
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Legal Perspective on Vulgarity
- The Supreme Court dismissed criminal cases for foul language in an OTT show in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024), stating that obscenity should be judged objectively.
- Allahabadia’s remarks, though crude, do not legally qualify as obscene. Despite legal precedents, moral outrage often leads to intimidation and censorship.
Use of Section 69A for Censorship
- The government has invoked Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to block content, though “decency and morality” are not grounds for blocking websites.
- The government has a history of using censorship, as seen in the blocking of Savita Bhabhi and increasing content restrictions through the IT Rules, 2021.
Push for Stronger Digital Regulations
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is advancing a new Broadcasting Bill, which seeks to regulate online creators like traditional broadcasters.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT is pushing for stricter digital regulations.
Pattern of Government Crackdown on Content
- Similar actions were taken against Tandav (2021), where government pressure led to scene cuts and multiple legal cases against creators.
- OTT platforms have increasingly complied with government censorship to avoid legal troubles.
Political and Economic Implications
- The controversy is not just about vulgarity but reflects a larger shift in governance, termed techno-patrimonialism.
- Political parties are competing not just on welfare but also on digital censorship, aligning with a mix of cultural nationalism and populist welfare policies.
Future of Digital Freedom
- Given past trends, online creators may soon plead for “regulation” to avoid harsher crackdowns.
- The debate over digital content regulation is a symptom of a broader political shift rather than just a reaction to an offensive joke.
| Practice Question: Examine the impact of increasing digital content regulation on freedom of speech in India. How can a balance be struck between creative expression and societal norms? (250 words, 15 marks) |
Read more- 19 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
