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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Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
