Election Commission Directs Eros Now To Take Down Web Series On Modi
After its stayed the release of a biopic on PM Modi, the EC has asked for a web series on Modi’s life to be taken down.
The Election Commission has directed Eros Now to immediately take down a web series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all related contents till further orders citing the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls.
The commission order said the streaming of five-episode web series, ‘Modi- Journey of a Common Man’, should be “stopped forthwith”. After watching the trailer, the polling body said, it is apparent that the web series showcases different phases of Modi’s life from childhood to becoming a national leader.
The poll watchdog cited its April 10 order banning the screening of a biopic on the prime minister till the Lok Sabha elections are over, to bar the streaming of the series.
There was no immediate response form Eros Now producers.
In its order staying the release of the biopic, the election commission had said that “any biopic material in the nature of biography/hagiography sub serving the purposes of any political party or any individual entity connected to it, which is intended to, or which has the potential to disturb the level playing field during the elections, should not be displayed in electronic media including cinematograph during the operation of MCC”.
On Saturday it said that in view of the admitted facts and material available on record, the web series is based on Modi, who, besides being the prime minister, is also a political leader and a candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. Therefore, the EC said, the series cannot be streamed.
In view of the above, you are hereby directed to stop forthwith the online streaming and remove all connected contents of the web series till further ordersElection Commission Directive To Eros Now
It also asked the company to send a compliance report immediately.
Earlier, the producers of biopic ‘PM Narendra Modi’ approached the Supreme Court challenging the stay. The apex court asked the Election Commission to watch the biopic and come up with a considered view. The matter will come up for hearing on Monday.