#WhatTheBlock
The Union of India informed Delhi HC that the Inter-Ministerial Committee rejected the proposal to provide a suitable disclaimer & unblock journalist Tanul Thakur’s satirical website “Dowry Calculator”.
The site was initially blocked without a hearing or providing a blocking order. The court directed MeitY to share the order & provide a post-decisional hearing. However, despite a hearing on May 23, 2022, MeitY chose not to disclose the complete blocking order.
Thakur was advised to file a fresh writ petition. On Jan 23, 2023, Delhi HC issued notice & on Jul 20, 2023, the Union of India was directed to consider unblocking the website with a suitable disclaimer within 6 weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan 30, 2024.
We are grateful to Sr. Adv. Siddharth Aggarwal, Adv. Vinayak Chitale, IFF’s legal team—Gautam Bhatia, Vrinda Bhandari, Abhinav Sekhri, Tanmay Singh, Radhika Roy, & Gayatri Malhotra. Special thanks to Mr. Thakur for initiating & allowing us to provide legal support.
Beyond satire, this case is about transparency in censorship. And the legal battle continues. Members & donors, do join us on October 12 at 7 PM for the Quarterly Members’ call for an informed discussion around IFF’s engagements– check your 
for the registration link.