By Shaikh Majid
The recent actions against independent media channels like Bolta Hindustan and now National Dastak by the Indian government have sparked concerns about media freedom and censorship. On April 3, 2024, National Dastak, a prominent Hindi news channel known for its coverage of issues affecting marginalized communities, received a notice from YouTube, informing them of a directive from the central government to block their channel. This move follows a similar action against Bolta Hindustan, which was temporarily banned by the government.
National Dastak, led by editor Shambhu Kumar Singh with a substantial following of over 9.4 million subscribers, has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, women, children, and other marginalized groups. This focus on highlighting issues often overlooked by mainstream media may have drawn the government’s attention and led to the channel’s censorship.
The government’s use of the Information Technology Act, 2021, to justify these actions has raised concerns about the potential misuse of legal provisions to stifle dissenting voices. Section 69 of the IT Act grants authorities the power to remove content that threatens national security, sovereignty, or public order. However, the lack of transparency regarding specific violations alleged against these channels has raised questions about the basis for such censorship.
The situation mirrors a broader trend of increasing restrictions on media freedom in India. The government’s actions against National Dastak and Bolta Hindustan come amidst a backdrop of growing concerns about press freedom, highlighted by recent developments such as the suspension of BBC India’s operations.
Last year, BBC India faced scrutiny and raids by the Income Tax Department following the airing of a documentary on the Gujarat genocide. This pressure ultimately led to BBC India transferring its publishing license to a private entity, marking a significant shift in its operations.
The overall climate for media in India has also deteriorated, as reflected in the country’s ranking in the Press Freedom Index, where it has dropped by 11 points to 161 out of 180 countries. This decline underscores the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations in the country, including censorship, legal threats, and regulatory pressures.
The crackdown on YouTube channels like National Dastak and Bolta Hindustan underscores the urgent need to safeguard media freedom and ensure that independent voices can operate without fear of reprisal. As the media landscape continues to evolve, maintaining a vibrant and diverse media ecosystem is essential for upholding democratic principles and fostering informed public discourse.