Facebook ‘restricts’ video showing defacing of Ambedkar portrait during JNU protest

Facebook has restricted access to a video showing the “vandalisation” of a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Thursday. Students had earlier alleged that the poster was defaced by the Delhi Police.

The video, which was restricted following a government notice, was uploaded by former JNUSU president N. Sai Balaji. He was notified on Saturday that the post had been restricted pursuant to a notice from the Government of India/law enforcement under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Mr. Balaji had uploaded the video with the caption, “Delhi Police Vandalises Baba Saheb Ambedkar Portrait in JNUSU Protest Demanding Resignation of JNU VC for Making Casteist Comments on Dalits.” At least one more Facebook user received a similar notice regarding the same video, the students alleged.