'Issue far from settled': Govt rejects Meta's explanation on 'removal' of PM Modi's video

The Centre is not satisfied with Meta's explanation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post was removed "in error", with government sources telling PTI that the issue is "far from settled" and warrants deeper discussions.According to the sources, Meta's response is "not reasonable", and the government will continue engaging with the company over the incident.The development comes after the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) summoned Meta's global head of public policy following the removal of the Prime Minister's Facebook post. Meta had reportedly told govt that glitch in automated content filters caused the removal of video.The video, posted on July 23 during the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests, featured PM Modi addressing the youth and promising stricter measures against examination paper leaks. It was briefly unavailable on Facebook before being restored.Responding to the controversy, a Meta spokesperson had said, "The content was removed in error and has since been restored."The now-restored video featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining the Centre's response to the NEET-UG controversy and promising stricter measures to curb examination paper leaks.Addressing students, Modi said the government would strengthen the legal framework to tackle paper leak cases. "I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts," Modi had said, adding that a draft legislation providing for stringent punishment and special courts to deal with paper leak cases would be discussed by the Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament.He also said the government had taken steps to ensure that the academic year of nearly 22 lakh students remained unaffected and reiterated that "nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth."The video was released amid nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.The Centre later introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing tougher penalties for offenders, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, higher fines and the creation of Special Fast-Track Courts for offences under the law.The agitation ended on July 25 after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Cabinet. The government also reached an agreement with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw cases against protesters, prevent police action against demonstrators and introduce stronger anti-paper leak legislation.The controversy also dominated the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the Opposition demanding Pradhan's resignation and pressing for a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue, leading to repeated disruptions in both Houses.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.