Delhi Police issued notices to social media platforms demanding the removal of posts and videos containing offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi [1].
The move reflects growing tensions between state authorities and student demonstrators in India's capital. By targeting digital content, the police aim to curb the spread of abusive material and prevent further escalation of unrest following recent public demonstrations [2].
These notices focus on content uploaded during student protests held at Jantar Mantar and the “Sansad Chalo” march, which took place July 20, 2024 [1], [3]. The police identified a series of posts and videos that they categorized as offensive or abusive toward the Prime Minister [1].
Legal proceedings regarding the matter have already moved to the judiciary. The Delhi High Court sought responses Tuesday regarding the situation [3]. The court's involvement follows the police's effort to secure the immediate removal of the flagged content from various platforms [3].
The protests occurred in the Jantar Mantar area and on the streets leading toward Parliament [1], [3]. Authorities said the takedown orders are necessary to maintain order, and prevent the proliferation of content that could incite further instability during a period of student-led unrest [2].
Social media companies have been notified that they must comply with the requests to delete the specific videos and posts identified by the police [1], [3].
“Delhi Police issued notices to social media platforms demanding the removal of posts and videos containing offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
This action highlights the increasing friction between digital freedom of expression and state efforts to maintain public order in India. By utilizing legal notices to force the removal of content targeting a high-ranking official, the Delhi Police are asserting a low tolerance for abusive digital rhetoric during physical protests, shifting the battleground from the streets of Jantar Mantar to social media moderation queues.
