Mon Feb 17 19:00:39 UTC 2025: ## MP Demands Transparency After Vikatan.com Appears Blocked
**Chennai, February 18, 2025** – D. Ravikumar, MP and General Secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has demanded an explanation from the Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, regarding the apparent blocking of the Tamil news website Vikatan.com. In a letter to the Minister, Mr. Ravikumar questioned the legality of the action, asserting that the government must adhere to Section 69A of the IT Act 2000 and its accompanying rules.
The MP emphasized that any website blocking must be justified under specific grounds outlined in the Act, such as threats to national security or public order, and must be accompanied by written reasons and due process, including notification and a hearing for the affected party. He criticized the apparent lack of transparency, stating that Vikatan.com received neither notification of alleged violations nor a copy of any blocking order.
Mr. Ravikumar argued that blocking Vikatan.com without following proper procedure “chills legitimate journalism and stifles democratic discourse,” stressing the government’s responsibility to uphold constitutional rights rather than suppress critical voices. He called for immediate clarification and adherence to the established legal framework governing online content restrictions.
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