Editors Guild of India condemns removal of cartoon featuring PM Modi on The Wire’s Instagram page
“Why fear the cartoon,” The Wire posts another cartoon featuring PM
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India on Thursday condemned the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) decision to order the removal of a cartoon featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi from The Wire’s Instagram page, calling the move an attack on freedom of expression and media independence.
According to the Guild, the cartoon, described as harmless satire, was taken down following government intervention, and The Wire’s Instagram account was briefly blocked for nearly two hours before being restored by Meta.
The EGI noted that the publication was asked to “explain its conduct” nearly 22 hours after the cartoon had already been removed and its page blocked, raising concerns over procedural transparency and due process.
The statement from the EGI read that The Wire was not formally informed of the reasons for the takedown.
However, the alleged explanation conveyed orally to the publication’s founders was that the cartoon could affect the “security and reputation of the country.”
The EGI dismissed this justification as calling it ‘laughable,’ asserting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and that public officials, including those in the highest offices, remain legitimate subjects of scrutiny, criticism, and satire in a democracy.
“The incident is yet another example of the rising intolerance to comment and scrutiny on the part of the government and its representatives, and serves to tarnish India's credentials as an accommodative democracy that gives space to media, including satire and humour,” said the organisation in the statement.
The EGI also expressed concern over the recently introduced Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, which aim to accelerate the removal of allegedly offensive or illegitimate synthetic content.
Citing observations by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), it said the relevant clause is “overbroad” and could adversely affect creative expression, including satire, parody, and political commentary, potentially resulting in prior restraint on artistic and journalistic work.
“The new provisions, detailed in a MeitY order dated February 10, are expected to come into force after the conclusion of the Global AI Impact Summit on February 20,” wrote the EGI urging the government to undertake a comprehensive review of the amended rules and broader AI-related regulatory measures to ensure they do not erode press freedom or suppress free speech under the pretext of regulation.
Earlier on February 10, social media platforms Instagram, Facebook, and X blocked access to a parody animation by The Wire. The outlet’s Instagram account was also blocked in India for nearly two hours.
The 52-second animation video sarcastically poked fun at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not answering questions in Parliament regarding retired General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir that discussed the 2020 military standoff with China.
The portal on Thursday published another cartoon titled “Cartoon Hai, Sahib, Sirf Cartoon Hai,” which satirically questioned why PM was fearing the cartoon.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
