On December 18, 2024 the Government of India responded to concerns over the blocking of independent media platforms, such as news channels Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak. The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2024, when MP Pratima Mondal questioned the transparency and fairness of actions taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
MP Mondal questioned the Union government that, “whether the Government has issued confidential notices under Section 69A of the IT Act to block independent media platforms like Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak without providing specific reasons or prior warnings thereby undermining transparency and accountability?”
However, MP Pratima Mondal also asked the reasons for which the affected media platforms are denied access to blocking orders or an opportunity for a fair hearing, violating their right to due process and diminishing public trust in democratic governance.
In response, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan defended the government’s actions, stated that all procedures comply with the safeguards outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The Minister informed that, “the publishers of news and current affairs on digital media including YouTube news channels Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak are covered under the provisions of IT Rules, 2021, Part-III of which provides for issuance of directions for blocking of content covered under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000).”
Dr. Murugan explained that the government invokes Section 69A to block content in cases of national security, public order, or to prevent incitement to criminal activities. The process includes review by a multi-ministerial committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Law and Justice, Defence, External Affairs, and Women and Child Development, as well as experts from the Press Council of India, FICCI, and CII.
“The concerned content is examined by this Committee, and publishers or intermediaries are given an opportunity to present clarifications,” Murugan stated, adding that procedural safeguards are rigorously followed to ensure fairness and prevent misuse.
“There are sufficient procedural safeguards before exercise of the provision of blocking of content under Section 69A. The concerned content is examined by a committee having representatives from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, etc. The Committee also has domain experts from Press Council of India, FICCI, and CII. Further, the rules provide for an opportunity to the publisher or the intermediary concerned to appear and submit their reply and clarifications before the Committee” said Minister.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a balance between transparency, accountability, and national interests, especially during sensitive periods such as elections. He said that the rules are designed to safeguard against harmful content while ensuring a diversity of perspectives.
This explanation comes amid criticism from free speech advocates and media organizations, who have raised concerns about the growing use of Section 69A to restrict content critical of government policies.
The response of Ministry dated December 18, 2024 may be read here:
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