PCI passes resolution that attacks ‘infrastructure of censorship’ built by Modi govt

In a formal statement of opposition to recent and proposed changes to India’s digital regulations – specifically the draft IT Amendment Rules of 2026 – the Press Club of India (PCI) passed a resolution on Saturday outlining eight demands to protect digital creators, ensure due process, and uphold press freedom. 

As Nikhil Pahwa, founder and editor of Medianama, noted in his post on X, the PCI’s resolution lasered in on the "infrastructure of censorship” built by the Centre.

One, the PCI has sought the withdrawal of the draft IT Rules 2026 “in totality”. The resolution noted that the compliance framework of the draft IT Rules 2026 is “financially terminal” for “independent creators and freelancers who operate solo podcasts, newsletters or have YouTube channels”. 

Moreover, it noted that these rules will also have a “chilling effect” on creators who “may self-censor to avoid any risk of algorithmic misidentification.”  

Yesterday, a PCI delegation visited the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) to submit its comments and suggestions on the draft amendments to the IT Rules 2026. You can also read more about what these draft rules mean for creators and journalists here. 

Two, the PCI has vowed to “intensify” its demand for the “withdrawal of these amendments” by canvassing support from MPs and “all other stakeholders”. 

Three, it demanded that the Centre “must strictly follow the procedural safeguards laid down under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000), before issuing blocking/takedown orders.”  The resolution cited the landmark Shreya Singhal Vs Union of India case, in which the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 69A and “underlined the need to adhere to these procedural safeguards,” including issuing written, reasoned blocking orders, while firmly denying the legality of arbitrary blocking orders.   

Four, the resolution demanded that the Centre “must withdraw all delegated powers under Section 69A of the Act, 2000, to various agencies, which have completely steamrolled the procedural safeguards under the said section.” 

Five, the resolution sought the withdrawal of the February 2026 amendment to the IT Rules, 2021, which drastically compressed the content takedown timeline for intermediaries from 36 hours to just three hours. The statement characterises such executive mandates as bordering on contempt of the Supreme Court, specifically citing the Shreya Singhal vs Union of India judgment, which sought to protect “safe harbour” provisions under Section 79 of the IT Act. 

Six, the resolution stated that the Centre “ must withdraw Rule 16 of the Information Technology Rules, 2009, which enables blocking of speech without accountability.” 

Seven, the resolution called for the immediate halt to the Sahyog portal’s “draconian operation,” alleging that it operates without legislative sanction and violates the procedural safeguards of Section 79A.

Finally, the PCI noted in no uncertain terms that the Centre must consult all stakeholders, including journalist bodies, before drafting legislation that curtails press freedom, “rather than seeking consultation post facto.”

At Newslaundry, we believe in holding power to account. Our journalism is truly in the public interest – funded by our subscribers, not by ad revenue from corporations and governments. You can help. Click here and join the tribe that pays to keep news free.