Delhi court has issued fresh summons to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at its UK address concerning a banned documentary. This action comes after previous attempts to serve the summons were unsuccessful. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing in August, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle.
The August hearing will likely provide an opportunity for both parties to present their arguments and for the court to deliberate on the next steps in the case. The outcome of the hearing could have implications not only for the specific documentary but also for broader discussions on freedom of expression, media regulations, and cross-border legal procedures.
Banned BBC documentary matter | Delhi court issues fresh summons to BBC at UK address. Summons issued earlier were not served. Matter listed in August for further hearing.
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2024
India has banned the BBC documentary due to its airing of a controversial documentary titled “India: The Modi Question,” focusing on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots and his relationship with the country’s Muslim minority. The documentary delves into sensitive historical events, including communal violence in which over 1,000 people died, sparking renewed scrutiny and criticism of Modi’s leadership.
The ban comes amidst accusations from New Delhi of a “colonial mindset” by the BBC, leading to strained relations and threats of disruption in U.K.-India ties. The Indian government has invoked emergency powers under its information technology laws to block the film and prevent its dissemination on social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube.