Activists, Journalists Challenge Centre Govt's X Account Censorship, Vow to Seek Supreme Court Intervention

New Delhi- In a significant development, the Indian government has issued executive orders directing the suspension or withholding of several accounts under the pretext of violations of India's Information Technology Act, 2000.

However, upon closer scrutiny of the content flagged by the central government, it has become evident that a substantial portion of these accounts were targeted due to their critical stance toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and their involvement in covering the ongoing Farmers' Protest on the X platform.

This directive has sparked widespread concerns regarding the state of freedom of expression and censorship within the country. Many view this move as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and curtail the free flow of information, particularly on contentious issues such as the Farmers' Protest.

Prominent ground reporters, influencers, and farm unionists who have been actively covering the Farmers' Protest have found their accounts suspended or withheld without prior notice. Among the affected are freelance independent journalists and activists supporting the movement, including accounts such as Tribal Army and Gaon Savera, among others. They are rallying together now to pursue legal recourse against the central government's executive orders aimed to curb their freedom of expression.

Responding to inquiries about the withheld accounts, X's Global Government Affairs issued a statement expressing disagreement with the Indian government's actions.

The statement highlighted that while complying with the orders, X maintains that freedom of expression should be upheld, and they intend to challenge the blocking orders legally. However, due to legal restrictions, they are unable to disclose the executive orders publicly, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

The withholding of these accounts and posts in India alone underscores a growing tension between the government's attempts to regulate online content and the platform's commitment to maintaining an open and free exchange of ideas. Critics argue that such actions stifle dissent and limit the public's access to diverse viewpoints, particularly on issues of national importance like the Farmers' Protest.

Activist Hansraj Meena Condemns Suspension of Accounts: "Attack on Freedom of Expression"

In a scathing response to the suspension of his personal account and the organization's account titled Tribal Army on the X platform, activist Hansraj Meena has decried the move as an assault on freedom of expression. Speaking exclusively to The Mooknayak, Meena expressed outrage over the sudden suspension, emphasizing the implications for dissent and accountability in the country.

"This is outrageous and an attack on the freedom of expression. What have we done? It means the government is above criticism and cannot be pointed out for their wrongdoing," Meena declared. He further lamented the lack of prior warning or notice from X before withholding the accounts, highlighting the platform's failure to engage in transparent communication.

"Initially, they did not respond when I wrote to them asking for reasons, but later they sent me details of the tweets that were taken into objection," Meena revealed. Among the tweets cited was one where he shared a video posted by Gaon Savera depicting farmers in Amritsar preparing for the Delhi Chalo march. In the tweet, Meena had remarked, "Kisano ko ab rokna mushkil hi nahi balki namumkin hoga" (It would not just be difficult but impossible to stop the farmers from reaching Delhi).

"What is wrong in it that my account was withheld?" Meena questioned, highlighting the innocuous nature of the tweet and its relevance to the ongoing farmers' movement. His frustration echoed sentiments of many who see the suspension as a stifling of legitimate discourse and criticism.

The suspension of accounts critical of the government has sparked a broader debate over freedom of expression and censorship on social media platforms in India.

Speaking candidly, Meena pointed out specific instances where the Tribal Army's tweets addressed issues that challenged the status quo.

"One of the tweets highlighted the Santhals protesting Hemant Soren's arrest, another delved into the discourse surrounding Modi's OBC status, while a third brought attention to the alleged atrocities on ST communities in Madhya Pradesh," Meena disclosed.

Notably, he emphasized that none of these tweets contained intimidating language, spread misinformation, or incited violence. Furthermore, they adhered to social media norms without violating any established guidelines.

"The decision to withhold the accounts without assigning any reason is truly lamentable," Meena remarked. He expressed his disappointment at the stifling of dissenting voices in what should be a democratic setup. Meena underlined the importance of freedom of expression, stating that all of his posts were substantiated with government figures, facts, and data.

"We are pursuing legal action and will approach the Supreme Court," Meena asserted.

The Mooknayak also spoke with journalist Mandeep Punia who lamented on the repeated suspension of his personal and Gaon Savera accounts, emphasizing the constraints imposed on freedom of expression. Punia revealed that his accounts were withheld on February 16, attributing the action to his coverage of updates on the Farmers' Protest.

"This isn't the first instance of such attacks on freedom of expression," Punia stated, highlighting a troubling trend spanning the past three years. He disclosed that his accounts have been suspended four times, with the majority of instances occurring in connection with his reporting on the Farmers' Protest. "Why is X or the Indian government hindering journalists from performing their duties? We are not agitators or members of farmers' unions; we are journalists, and our job is to report on what's happening," Punia asserted.

Expressing solidarity with other journalists facing similar challenges, Punia revealed plans for legal recourse. "I am in contact with journalists whose accounts have also been suspended, and together, we will approach the court seeking legal intervention," he affirmed.

As journalists confront obstacles in fulfilling their professional responsibilities, the pursuit of legal avenues signals a concerted effort to uphold democratic principles and safeguard the rights of journalists to report without fear of censorship or reprisal.

While the government cites legal justifications for its actions, critics argue that the selective targeting of accounts reveals a larger pattern of suppression aimed at silencing voices critical of the ruling party. The suspension or withholding of these accounts underscores the delicate balance between government regulation and the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

As the debate unfolds, there is a growing call for transparency and accountability in the enforcement of online regulations. Many advocate for a more inclusive and participatory approach that respects diverse viewpoints and upholds democratic principles.

In essence, the government's recent actions have ignited a contentious discourse surrounding the boundaries of online speech and the protection of civil liberties in the digital age.