Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi(VCK) General Secretary and Villupuram M.P., D. Ravikumar, has written to the Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking clarification on whether the Central government had issued an order to block Vikatan.com and demanded that section 69 A and IT rules is adhered to scrupulously, ensuring that no content is restricted without providing written reasons and an opportunity to appeal.
“In a democracy, the State must act as a custodian of Constitutional Rights, not as an adversary to critical voices,” he said, adding that blocking Vikatan’s website ‘chills legitimate journalism and stifles democratic discourse’. Mr. Ravikumar said that blocking of websites is governed by section 69 A of the IT Act, 2000. “Blocking orders must be based on grounds specified under section 69 A(1), such as threats to sovereignty, public order or national security, with reasons recorded in writing. Rule 8 obligates the Designated Officer to issue directions only after following due process, including notifying the intermediary/content provider and allowing a hearing. The Rules require proactive disclosure of blocking orders to the aggrieved party to enable legal recourse. Vikatan has neither been informed of any alleged violation, nor has it received a copy of the blocking order.”
Published - February 18, 2025 12:30 am IST
