| Topic: GS2 –Indian Polity |
| Context |
| · A controversy has erupted over the show India’s Got Latent, primarily due to crude remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia.
· Hosted by comedian Samay Raina, the show is defined by its use of dark humor and has gained immense popularity, particularly among young audiences. However, beyond the outrage over individual comments, the controversy highlights a broader struggle for control over digital media
|
Legal Perspective on Vulgarity
- The Supreme Court dismissed criminal cases for foul language in an OTT show in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024), stating that obscenity should be judged objectively.
- Allahabadia’s remarks, though crude, do not legally qualify as obscene. Despite legal precedents, moral outrage often leads to intimidation and censorship.
Use of Section 69A for Censorship
- The government has invoked Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to block content, though “decency and morality” are not grounds for blocking websites.
- The government has a history of using censorship, as seen in the blocking of Savita Bhabhi and increasing content restrictions through the IT Rules, 2021.
Push for Stronger Digital Regulations
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is advancing a new Broadcasting Bill, which seeks to regulate online creators like traditional broadcasters.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT is pushing for stricter digital regulations.
Pattern of Government Crackdown on Content
- Similar actions were taken against Tandav (2021), where government pressure led to scene cuts and multiple legal cases against creators.
- OTT platforms have increasingly complied with government censorship to avoid legal troubles.
Political and Economic Implications
- The controversy is not just about vulgarity but reflects a larger shift in governance, termed techno-patrimonialism.
- Political parties are competing not just on welfare but also on digital censorship, aligning with a mix of cultural nationalism and populist welfare policies.
Future of Digital Freedom
- Given past trends, online creators may soon plead for “regulation” to avoid harsher crackdowns.
- The debate over digital content regulation is a symptom of a broader political shift rather than just a reaction to an offensive joke.
| Practice Question: Examine the impact of increasing digital content regulation on freedom of speech in India. How can a balance be struck between creative expression and societal norms? (250 words, 15 marks) |
If you like this Editorial don’t forget to check this –Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States