Election Commission orders removal of 4 posts by ‘X’

• Violation of Code of Conduct cited

• What kind of freedom of expression is this ? – ‘X’

New Delhi – The Election Commission of India has ordered ‘X’ to remove 4 election-related posts. These include the posts of YSR Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The Commission stated that these posts violated the Model Code of Conduct. “We do not in any way allow criticism of political parties and candidates based on unverified allegations, and criticism of their private lives,” said the Commission. The content of these four posts remains unknown currently.

#ElectionCommission orders removal of 4 posts by ‘X’

Violation of #CodeofConduct cited

What kind of freedom of expression is this ? – ‘X’

Although ‘X’ champions freedom of expression, no freedom is above the democratic values and the laws of the country.

‘X’ must understand… pic.twitter.com/cA0Xdp3uus

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 17, 2024

1. Responding to this, ‘X’ stated, “We are taking down the posts. But we disagree with this action of the Election Commission. This is against freedom of expression.”

2. The ‘X’ added that, “We have notified the 4 leaders about the removal of the posts and in the interest of transparency, we are publishing the takedown orders here.”

3. Earlier in February too, ‘X’ had taken a similar stand. During that period, the Union Government had asked to remove some accounts and posts.

4. Even in 2021, under the leadership of Jack Dorsey, who was left-leaning, the Union Government had demanded the deletion of accounts associated with farmers linked to Khalistani terrorists amidst the alleged farmers’ protest. Consequently, the Government instructed the removal of 1,200 of such accounts, along with those of 250 journalists.

5. With Elon Musk now at the helm of ‘X’, advocating genuine freedom of expression and opposing the banning of Hindutva accounts, the organisation’s stance on the matter has not changed.

Editorial Perspectives

• Although ‘X’ champions freedom of expression, no freedom is above the democratic values and the laws of the country. ‘X’ must understand this distinction.

• An overseas entity that criticises a crucial and constitutional institution of India should face a ban within the country, setting a precedent for compliance among others.