BBC news

A visit to the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai by income tax officials is drawing international attention to the precarious state of press freedoms in ...

India’s trajectory resembles that of Turkey, where the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used the same combination of economic pressure and intimidation to achieve near-total domination of the media landscape. [Dailymotion ](https://www.dailymotion.com/DeccanHerald) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/deccanherald/) Stories deemed embarrassing to the government or the ruling party led routinely to minatory phone calls from ministers and bureaucrats: The threats ranged from the withholding of ads and the pursuit of punitive lawsuits to investigations into my personal finances and those of my family. [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/DeccanHerald) Having received little criticism over his bullying of the Turkish media, Erdogan has been emboldened to target foreign outlets. The Biden administration seems to have taken much the same see-no-evil, hear-no-evil stance. Until recently, the main targets for the intolerance of the government and the wrath of the ruling party were domestic media outlets — especially the local-language press. Modi is notoriously thin-skinned on this front: His government banned the documentary, and tried to block clips on social media platforms as well as screenings in universities. The New York Times editorial board had warned just a day earlier that the government’s attempts to suppress the film were another sign that India’s “proud tradition of a free press” was at risk, undermining its democracy. The government has described it euphemistically as a “survey,” which is an unsubtle way to characterise a tax raid. As an American citizen, I enjoyed a degree of protection not available to other editors.

India is looking into the BBC's tax structure, the British news organisation said in an internal memo on Wednesday, as officials searched its premises in ...

The Coronation will conclude on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 with a concert for the King and Queen Consort at Windsor Palace, featuring stars from across the ...

The Coronation and the Eurovision Song Contest are therefore two huge opportunities for the BBC to highlight its unique and central role that it plays in our lives. The upcoming decisions surrounding the license fee and its future funding will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the broadcaster. It is what drew me and many others to it in the first place. It might feel not-very-British, but the BBC needs to be boastful. The BBC’s reliance on using viewers to point out its feats also risks being drowned out by parts of the British press with an agenda to criticize the org for lapses and errors. Traditional television broadcasters such as the BBC have proven to be surprisingly resilient in the streaming age. Netflix, after a wobbly 2022, is set to clamp down on the number of households sharing the same account. And then there’s the exodus of talent, from Emily Maitlis to BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce, happily walking over to commercial competitors. The BBC World Service is cutting some TV and radio services and are making some digital only, whilst channels such as BBC Four are being marked to move online. And, in a similar vein to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert in 2022, events will conclude with a laser and drone show. It will also be airing BBC local elections the week before, and the BAFTA Television Awards the day after. And even though the BBC has held the contest eight times, Eurovision has grown substantially in the last 25 years.

Raids came weeks after government banned as propaganda a BBC documentary critical of Modi's role in 2002 Gujarat riots.

The country fell eight places, to 150 out of 180 countries, in the 2022 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Thirty-one Muslims were convicted of criminal conspiracy and murder over that incident. “Undeclared emergency.” While the association “maintains that no institution is above the law, it condemns any attempt to muzzle and intimidate the media and interfere with the free functioning of journalists and media organisations”, it said in a statement. Press freedom in the world’s biggest democracy has suffered during Modi’s tenure, rights activists say. Activists have put the toll at more than twice that number.

Tax officials call the "survey" of the U.K. broadcaster routine, but the ruling party has accused the BBC of "spewing venom" as part of an "anti-Indian ...

"We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world." Last week, India's Supreme Court rejected a petition by a right-wing political group to completely ban the BBC in the country over the Modi documentary. Bhatia asked, citing an example of what his party views as the BBC's "anti-India agenda." The documentary, "India: The Modi Question," examines the premier's role in deadly religious riots in Gujarat in 2002, when he was the chief minister of the western Indian state. Modi faced allegations of complicity in the violence but he was absolved of all charges by Indian courts in 2013. In an email to employees in India, the BBC urged all but its broadcast department staff to work from home for the time being.

Income Tax department is conducting a survey at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion. However, it is worth ...

Thus, it pleaded that the amount received by the BBC in the relevant assessment year 2006-07, from distribution of BBC World News Channel in India, was not taxable. Again, in the assessment year 2006-07, BBC received distribution/subscription revenue from the distribution of channels in India, specifically to hotels and institutions. The Income Tax department had sent a notice to the BBC in 2005 over transfer pricing adjustment for the assessment year, 2002-03 and 2003-04. It also refers to the value attached to transfers between unrelated parties which are controlled by a common entity. However, it is not the first time that the BBC has run into trouble. Income Tax department is conducting a survey at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion.

The BBC stands by its reporting for the documentary 'India: The Modi Question' and says it is cooperating with Indian tax officials.

“The Income Tax Department is conducting a survey of the BBC’s tax status and affairs in India. The government last month dismissed the documentary, “India: The Modi Question”, as propaganda and blocked its streaming and sharing on social media. We understand officers from the department may wish to speak to members of staff about the BBC in India,” Liliane Landor, director of the BBC World Service, said in the note sent to staff and reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday.

Indian income tax officials have not made any statements since the searches were launched in the BBC's New Delhi and Mumbai offices on Tuesday morning. The ...

The country fell eight places, to 150 out of 180 countries, in the 2022 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Thirty-one Muslims were convicted of criminal conspiracy and murder over that incident. “Undeclared emergency.” While the association “maintains that no institution is above the law, it condemns any attempt to muzzle and intimidate the media and interfere with the free functioning of journalists and media organisations”, it said in a statement. Press freedom in the world’s biggest democracy has suffered during Modi’s tenure, rights activists say. Activists have put the toll at more than twice that number. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the US believed in the “importance of free press” which contributes to “strengthening democracies around the world” but that he was “not in a position to offer a judgement” on whether the raid went counter to that. The “systematic campaign of violence has all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing” and was impossible “without the climate of impunity created by the state Government”, it concluded. [](https://nnn.ng/#:~:text=ninjaoutreach pricing) “If you have been following the law of the country, if you have nothing to hide, why be afraid of an action that is according to the law?” The BBC said at the time that the documentary was “rigorously researched” and involved a wide range of voices and opinions. [New Delhi and Mumbai](https://nnn.ng/india-tax-officials-search-bbc-offices-for-a-second-straight-day/#New Delhi and Mumbai) [India](https://nnn.ng/tag/india/)n tax officers have searched the [BBC](https://nnn.ng/tag/bbc/)’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai for a second straight da [y](https://nnn.ng/videodownload/youtube-downloader/), with the British broadcaster saying it was “fully co-operating” with the authorities.

Government 'survey,' which follows critical documentary on Modi, has been slammed by opposition, media organizations as an intimidation campaign.

It said that it "will damage the reputation and image of India as the world's largest democracy." The BBC has called the documentary "rigorously researched." It said "the bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset is blatantly visible" in the coverage.

The survey's officials said they were investigating charges related to “transfer pricing” and “diversion of profits”. However, the fact that the action came in ...

The survey of the BBC is not an exception if similar exercises in the past are considered: [at the digital news organisation Newslaundry](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/we-do-business-with-honesty-and-integrity-says-newslaundry-after-i-t-dept-survey/article36398843.ece) in 2021, the [CBI’s raid of NDTV](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cbi-conducts-raids-at-properties-of-ndtv-founder-prannoy-roy/article18721754.ece) in 2017, and the Enforcement Directorate’s [searches of digital portal Newsclick](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/income-tax-department-surveys-newsclick-newslaundry-offices/article36396433.ece) and I-T searches of the Dainik Bhaskar group, both in 2021. The reaction to the BBC’s documentary has been anything but that. Last year, the digital media-funding Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation and the think tank, Centre for Policy Research, [had such “surveys”](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-for-policy-research-oxfam-india-independent-and-public-spirited-media-foundation-face-tax-survey/article65861824.ece). However, the fact that the action came in the wake of the release of [the two-part documentary, India: the Modi Question](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bbc-documentary-second-part-of-the-modi-question-airs-in-the-uk/article66429896.ece), raises significant questions. Even if media organisations raise uncomfortable questions, the response has to be factual, reasonable and measured. [Income Tax (I-T) department’s two-day survey of the BBC’s offices](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/i-t-dept-survey-on-bbc-india-continues-for-second-day/article66511170.ece) in New Delhi and Mumbai as an attempt to produce a chilling effect on Britain’s well regarded public broadcaster and also media institutions willing to hold the current regime to account for past actions.

NEW DELHI: The income tax department continued its survey operations at the offices of the BBC in the national capital and Mumbai for the second day on Wednesday as the broadcaster asked staff to cooperate with the authorities, sources said.

They had also said that many staff had left the building but some had been asked to remain and they were cooperating with the ongoing inquiries. Employees were also asked to cooperate with the tax authorities and answer their queries. "A survey is undertaken only at the business premises while a search operation is conducted at the premises of promoters, senior executives of entities and also at places where evidence can be collected," the sources pointed out.

As the income tax department continued with its surveys for the second consecutive day Wednesday on the premises of the British Broadcasting Corporation ...

“The Income Tax Authorities remain at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Government officials had said on Tuesday that the surveys were conducted at the BBC premises in view of the “deliberate non-compliance with the transfer pricing rules” and its “vast diversion of profits”. A survey, conducted under Section 133A of the I-T Act, is usually a precursor to a search and seizure operation, and takes place only at business premises. Officials in the government said the focus of the surveys on BBC is to look into “manipulation of prices for unauthorised benefits, including tax advantages”. As per the Budget presented earlier this month, the time available for completion of assessment relating to the assessment year commencing on or after April 1, 2022 shall be 12 months from the end of the assessment year, in which the income was first assessable. A notice preferably is issued to a company in an assessment exercise by the tax authorities flouting transfer pricing rules before undertaking any such action, experts said.

Reports said searches of the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai are widely seen as a response to a recent BBC documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world,” he said. Officials have said they are investigating the BBC for tax evasion, diversion of profits and non-compliance of Indian law. Indian officials say the raids were part of a follow up after the BBC failed to respond to tax notices.

The Income Tax survey at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai entered the third day on Thursday. The taxmen had shared a document with the editors of the BBC ...

[British broadcaster in an internal communication asked its employees to be prepared and cooperate with the tax officials](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bbc-mail-to-staff-income-tax-survey-delhi-mumbai-office-2334978-2023-02-15), sources told India Today. The BBC has asked its top officials in India to be prepared for any quizzing by the I-T officials and cooperate in the investigation, sources said. [Income tax surveys are conducted to identify the taxpayer who has not properly filed income tax returns despite receiving taxable income](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bbc-i-t-survey-what-is-income-tax-survey-means-how-is-it-different-search-or-raid-2335140-2023-02-15). The taxmen landed at the BBC offices located in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday to investigate issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC subsidiary companies. The survey operations by the I-T sleuths at the [BBC offices are part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bbc-office-raided-income-tax-officials-seize-employees-phones-2334532-2023-02-14) that started on Tuesday around 12 pm. On the second day of the survey operations, the I-T sleuths sought explanations from select staffers and collected electronic and paper-based financial data, officials told news agency PTI.

The move against BBC mirrors Indira Gandhi's tactics during the Emergency. She learnt from her mistakes, will the BJP?

And it has a right to feel aggrieved by all the press it has received in recent months. But is this the right way to proceed? But it is the third option that is the most concerning. So, even if global media attacks the government it will not make much difference to how India is treated on the world stage. Has that helped the government or harmed it? But you could also look at this differently: if Modi has the confidence of world leaders, why does he care about a little-watched documentary that his government has anyway banned? And judging by the fury directed against the BBC — “the most corrupt corporation in the world” — this is not just a simple investigation. Perhaps many people in the Modi government do have reason to be angry with the BBC. And on social media, pro-BJP handles directed abuse at the BBC accusing it of a colonial mindset, of having no respect for the truth and more. It might sound cynical but the truth is that this approach has been largely effective. [said](https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1625393409442869249) the government was “hounding the BBC”. The Narendra Modi government has offered a two-pronged response.

The operation that began at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday has clocked more than 45 hours now.

[Brazen intimidation: On the tax survey on the BBC](https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/brazen-intimidation-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-tax-survey-on-the-bbc/article66513588.ece) The Supreme Court last week dismissed a plea seeking the imposition of a complete ban on the BBC in India in the wake of the controversial documentary, terming the petition "entirely misconceived" and "absolutely meritless". On Tuesday, the ruling BJP had accused the BBC of "venomous reporting" while the Opposition had questioned the timing of the action that came weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary "India: The Modi Question" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots. [Income Tax department's 'survey' at the BBC office ](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/i-t-department-conducting-verification-at-multiple-bbc-offices-agency-official/article66507550.ece)here continued for the third straight day on Thursday as officials gathered financial data from select staffers and made copies of electronic and paper data of the news organisation. The survey teams are seeking answers on financial transactions, the company structure and other details about the news company, and are copying data from electronic gadgets as part of their task of collecting the evidence, tax officials had said. [Aware of BBC raid, cannot offer any judgement: U.S.](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/aware-of-bbc-raid-cannot-offer-any-judgement-us/article66510985.ece)

Since Tuesday, the Income Tax department has been carrying out a 'survey' to probe issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC ...

Since Tuesday, the I-T department has been carrying out a ‘survey’ to probe issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC subsidiary companies. “Tax cases involving transfer pricing rules and diversion of profits typically involve undertaking assessments by an assessing officer and issuance of a notice before undertaking any survey/search action. However, the reason for non-compliance is being cited for these surveys.

Indian tax officials continued their search of the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai for the third consecutive day, two sources with knowledge of the ...

“Anyone, any agency, whether tied to the media, a company, if they are working in India, they must follow and respect Indian law. That is the reality,” the party’s media department head, Pawan Khera, told reporters Wednesday. Modi has denied accusations that he failed to stop the violence. “If someone tries to shed light on the prime minister’s past, or dig out details of his past…the present and future of that media house will be destroyed by his agencies. Twitter and YouTube complied with the order, the government said. But the offices are now open for people to enter and leave as needed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have further lost the battle of perception internationally with the Income Tax Department raiding (or as the government ...

[Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/deccanherald/) [Dailymotion ](https://www.dailymotion.com/DeccanHerald) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/DeccanHerald) [Amnesty International](https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/cbi-raids-amnesty-international-office-in-bengaluru-776545.html) in 2019 and [Oxfam India](https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/i-t-raids-on-think-tank-ngos-in-delhi-bengaluru-over-tax-evasion-rumours-1143031.html) in 2022. There is hardly any global media platform that does not link the erosion of democratic institutions from parliament, judiciary, and the media to his regime. The BJP has reacted sharply to the Opposition’s defence of the BBC —by describing the BBC as “ As the carefully media-managed image of their leader crumbles, the BJP should be worried. First the BBC documentary and then the Hindenburg Research report on the Adani Group suggesting that crony capitalists flourished under the patronage of the Modi regime, have endangered his chances of striding the G20 stage as a world leader. The 200-odd events related to G20 hosted by India were to be Modi’s chance to hold forth before an array of diplomats and statesmen from across the globe and repackage him as a world leader. If he was on the verge of achieving that ambition through the presidency of the G20, that has now been jeopardised. The timing of the ‘I-T survey’ by the Union government was ill-advised, and has done irreparable damage to Modi’s image as a global leader. Irrespective of rationalisations about violation of transfer pricing regulations and “vast diversion of profits” by the BBC, it will be perceived as a vindictive response to the BBC’s two-part documentary India: The Modi Question.

Lagatar24 Desk. New Delhi, Feb 16: The Income Tax department's inspection at the BBC offices continues for the third straight day on Thursday as officials ...

Another set of petitions challenging the government’s decision to block the documentary’s access on social media platforms will be heard in April. The survey is being carried out to investigate issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC subsidiary companies, officials said. The operation began at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) offices in Delhi and Mumbai around 11:30 am on Tuesday has clocked more than 45 hours now and the survey is still going on, they told PTI.

Tax officials had remained at the BBC's offices, some sleeping there, since the surprise inspection was launched on Tuesday, according to witnesses.

retail sales data underscored the strength in the world's biggest economy and bolstered risk appetite. (This includes the Reuters Weekend Briefing.) All the news you need to start your day.

'If you are asked to meet with the tax officers you should answer their questions honestly and directly,' BBC conveys to its staff.

TRENDING "The officers may record what you say in so far as what you say is related to the income tax survey. If you are asked questions about matters outside these areas you can ask for these to be provided by way of a formal written request, which will be under Section 131(1A). Questions about your personal tax affairs are outside the remit of the investigation, unless they relate to payment of your salary or expenses by the BBC or if you are summoned under Section 131(1). We understand officers from the department may wish to speak to members of staff about the BBC in India. "The Income Tax Department is conducting a survey of the BBC's tax status and affairs in India.

Indian tax officials examined mobile phones and laptops used by some BBC editorial and administrative employees, two sources told Reuters, as an inspection.

[World News](/News/world) At least 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the bloodletting, though activists put the toll at more than twice that number. “They (officials) asked some of us to open their laptop and hand in phones and then handed it back,” one source told Reuters, adding that owners of the devices were asked for the access codes. Others said some employees were questioned on financial transactions late into the night. [blocked its streaming and sharing on social media](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/01/24/Indian-university-warns-students-not-to-screen-BBC-documentary-on-PM-Modi). [AlArabiya](/)

Around 10 BBC employees have been sleeping in their office since Tuesday. Some of the tax agents stayed overnight too. They searched laptops and phones of ...

While rights groups have criticized these raids, the governments of the U.S., France and the U.K. They searched the laptops and phones of some journalists as well as administrative staff. Some of the tax agents stayed overnight too.

Income tax officials examined mobile phones and laptops used by some BBC editorial and administrative employees, two sources told Reuters, as an inspection ...