Delhi Police Directs Social Media to Remove Content Targeting PM Modi During Protest

The Delhi Police has instructed social media platforms to remove videos and posts that allegedly used objectionable language targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest held at Jantar Mantar over the weekend.

A senior police officer confirmed that the exercise to remove such content is ongoing. “Multiple posts were uploaded on various social media platforms, and they have been removed,” the officer said.

Notices have been issued to three social media platforms, directing them to take down content containing offensive remarks about the Prime Minister. The police action is being taken under the Information Technology Act, which empowers authorities to request removal of content that is deemed to violate laws related to public order or defamation.

The protest, which concluded on Saturday, was organized by a group that has drawn criticism for its choice of name and rhetoric. The Delhi Police has not specified the exact nature of the objectionable content, but sources indicate it included remarks that could be considered inflammatory or disrespectful toward the office of the Prime Minister.

This development comes amid ongoing debates over the balance between free speech and the regulation of online content. Critics of such police actions argue that they may chill legitimate dissent, while supporters maintain that they are necessary to prevent hate speech and maintain public order.

Social media platforms have typically complied with such requests to avoid legal repercussions, though they often review the content to ensure it violates their own community standards. The identities of the platforms have not been disclosed by the police.

The protest itself was reportedly peaceful, and no arrests have been made in connection with the objectionable posts. Further investigations are underway to identify the individuals who uploaded the content.