After Modi cartoon, I&B Ministry blocked Vikatan site.

• Vikatan magazine’s website in India was blocked by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, referred to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• The block was triggered by a cartoon featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains next to U.S. President Donald Trump, allegedly referencing deported immigrants being flown to India in chains.
• The cartoon sparked outrage within the BJP, with Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai filing a complaint with the Press Council of India and the I&B Ministry.
• The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan was evasive on the order, stating that appropriate legal steps are being taken.
• Vikatan staff had no prior warning before the website was blocked.
• The Ministry issued a formal notice on February 16, stating that the Inter Departmental Committee under the IT Rules, 2021 was conducting a hearing on blocking the cartoon.
• Vikatan has defended its rights to post the cartoon and plans to challenge the blocking order if the outcome is not consistent with freedom of expression values.