Mumbai: The ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has ordered blocking of apps, website, and social media accounts of foreign-based Punjab Politics TV, having close links with Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an organisation that has been declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Relying on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing state assembly elections, the ministry used emergency powers under the IT Rules on 18 February to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV.

"The contents of the blocked apps, website, and social media accounts had the potential to incite communal disharmony and separatism; and were found to be detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, and public order. It was also observed that the launch of new apps and social media accounts was timed to gain traction during the ongoing elections," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The government of India took the decision in the interest of securing the overall information environment in India and thwarting any actions having the potential to undermine the country’s sovereignty and integrity, it added.