Archive · 21 Jun 2025
West Bengal Police Issue Notice Over Manjul's 6-Year-Old Cartoons
Imagine a cartoonist named Manjul drew some pictures making fun of the government six years ago.
Now, the police in West Bengal want the social media company X to take those pictures down, saying they break the law.
X told Manjul about it but hasn't removed the pictures yet.
Manjul is surprised because it's been a long time, and he doesn't think he did anything wrong.
The police unit that sent the notice didn't even exist back when the cartoons were made, which makes it even more unusual.
This brings up questions about free speech and the power of the government.
West Bengal Police issued a takedown notice to X regarding cartoons by Manjul from 2019.
The cartoons depict Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and address politically sensitive topics.
X has notified Manjul but has not yet removed the content from the platform.
The West Bengal Cyber Crime Wing, which sent the notice, did not exist in 2019.
Manjul expressed surprise at the timing and maintained he did nothing wrong.
- Who
- West Bengal Police and cartoonist Manjul.
- What
- West Bengal Police issued a takedown notice to X regarding old cartoons by Manjul.
- When
- The notice was issued recently regarding cartoons from 2019.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- The police claim the cartoons violate Indian law.
Free Speech Advocates
Government Officials
Freedom of Expression
Free Speech Advocates
The government is using its power to silence criticism.
Government Officials
The government is enforcing the law.
- Cartoonist
- Manjul
- Platform
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Subject
- Mamata Banerjee
- Date of Cartoons
- 2019
- Police Unit
- West Bengal Cyber Crime Wing