BBC published a survey on its website that asked readers to rate the freedom of the media in various countries around the world, including India. The survey drew criticism from some opposition parties in India, who accused the BBC of attempting to tarnish India’s image and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
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The criticism was based on the perception that the survey was biased against India and that it did not accurately reflect the country’s commitment to press freedom. Some Indian politicians and media outlets accused the BBC of double standards, as they felt that the survey failed to take into account the challenges and threats that Indian journalists faced in their work.
In response, the BBC defended the survey, stating that it was an objective assessment of the state of press freedom around the world. The BBC also emphasized that it did not intend to undermine India’s sovereignty or reputation, and that it recognized the important role that the Indian media played in the country’s democracy.
BBC Offices in Delhi and Mumbai undergo Income Tax Survey Over Alleged Non-Compliance
Income tax survey has finally ended on Thursday at BBC office in Delhi and Mumbai after 3 days. The tax survey was done over alleged non compliance of BBC with tax rules.On Tuesday afternoon at 11:30 AM,the income tax department rushed into the BBC office at Delhi and Mumbai and began scanning financial details and collecting data from office managers .In a statement ,the broadcaster confirmed that” The survey was over , The income tax authorities have left our offices in Delhi and Mumbai ,we will continue to co-operate with the authorities and hope ,matter is resolved soon”.
BBC Said “We have supporting staff and lengthy questions were asked to the staff and we’re asked to stay overnight in the office ,their welfare is our priority ,output is back to normal ,and we remain committed to serve audiences in India and abroad ,the BBC is a trusted independent media organisation, and we stand by our staff , we will continue to report without fear or favour “
BBC Survey Draws Criticism From Indian Opposition Parties Over Press Freedom Concerns
A BBC employee said ,that the survey did not disrupt the normal functioning with staff asked to work from home.
However ,it has received a lot of criticism from opposition parties like Aam Admi party ,the Congress party stating it an attack on the press freedom, which is the fourth pillar of the Indian Democracy. Arvind Kejriwal said ,whenever anyone from the opposition or any other organisation goes against the ruling party , immediately CBI ,ED ,Income Tax department is deliberately sent by the govt to inquire about him ,about the assets he is holding, to check if he does not have black money ,if he is evading tax payment to the govt .However ,the govt said, income tax department has valid reasons to conduct the raid at BBC office and we should let it follow the conduct of the survey .
Section 133A of the Income Tax Act empowers income-tax authorities to enter any place of business
The survey was done under 133A section of the income tax act which states as Section 133A of the Act enables an income-tax authority to enter any place of business or profession or charitable activity within his jurisdiction to verify the books of account or other documents, cash, stock or other valuable article or thing, which may be useful for or relevant to any proceeding under this Act.
Restrictions on income tax department provided in the act : The tax authority can’t retain in their custody any confiscated documents beyond a period of 15 days without obtaining the approval of higher authority such as the Principal chief commissioner or the Director General of Income tax.
B.Tax Survey shall be done during an Organisation’s Working time.
The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama,
It is normal for the Income tax department to conduct tax surveys of companies ,politicians ,news channels etc. But did it in the aftermath of the Documentary released by BBC, which turned very negative for the ruling party, and for the unity of the country.
The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, which is currently under construction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is being built at the site where the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque, once stood before it was demolished in 1992 by a group of Hindu activists, which led to communal violence across India.
The construction of the Ram Mandir began in 2020 after a landmark verdict by the Supreme Court of India, which handed over the disputed site to a trust to build the temple. The temple is being constructed with the help of donations from devotees across India and around the world.
The temple will be spread over an area of 2.7 acres and will have a height of 161 feet, making it one of the tallest Hindu temples in the world. The temple will have three floors, with the sanctum sanctorum located on the first floor, while the second floor will have a prayer hall and the third floor will have a museum.
The Temple is expected to be Completed by 2024
The construction of the Ram Mandir is seen as a significant event in the history of India and the Hindu community. The temple is expected to be completed by 2024, and it is likely to become a major pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus around the world.
Incident led to widespread communal riots in Gujarat, with many incidents of violence against Muslims reported in the days
The incident you are referring to is commonly known as the Godhra train burning, which occurred on February 27, 2002 in the town of Godhra in the Indian state of Gujarat. A group of Hindu pilgrims, known as karsevaks, were traveling on a train when a mob of Muslims attacked the train and set fire to one of the coaches. The fire led to the deaths of 59 people, including women and children, while many others were injured.
The incident led to widespread communal riots in Gujarat, with many incidents of violence against Muslims reported in the days that followed. The situation was exacerbated by the alleged involvement of some political leaders and police officials in the riots.
The Godhra train burning remains a controversial and sensitive topic in India, with differing opinions and perspectives on the incident and its aftermath. The incident has also been the subject of numerous investigations, court cases, and political debates over the years.
The train in which they had been was burnt on fire, and around 59 Karsevaks died. Although , there is no evidence as to who did this ,but the Muslims were blamed for this .This set a feeling of revenge among the people of Gujrat and they started killing Muslims , did rape of Muslim women ,burnt their houses to ashes .
The Gujrat govt was alleged to have supported it with Chief minister Modi being the main supporter of the violence ,not ordered the police to take actions against Hindu people and more than 1000 Muslims lost their lives . The BBC documentary displays all this and particularly modi’s rule in contracting the minorty. The documentary is divided Into two parts .
Reaction of the govt on the BBC Documentary : The govt said that the Documentary is not objective , propaganda against India and it is a product of the colonial mind-set and it’s motive is to divide India by bringing the policy of divide and rule .
The USA govt said it knew that the income department would do this ,but it not in a position to give a judgement .
