[wtmt]

The police made a different statement and claimed that they had only requested RazorPay donor information of any foreign donors to AltNews (which claimed that it had restricted payments only from Indian citizens in India), and that they hadn’t asked RazorPay to disable the account of AltNews. Yet, RazorPay disabled the account for a day and then enabled it.

Now, the request was made under a law (CRPC 91) that allows the police to request for any “document or thing”. So a court order is not necessary.

But there seems to be a lot that’s not being revealed here honestly.

While I wouldn’t blame RazorPay for being yet another scared Indian company that obeys (perceived) authority immediately for any request from any government entity, it doesn’t bode well that no Indian started company stands up to law enforcement or the government. Only some multinational companies seem to have the guts to question unreasonable requests.

Indian laws are overly broad and sometimes it seems like the whole system can be simplified into a few sentences that allows government authorities in any department to request or takeover anything and cite “national security” or “public law and order” as the reasons. /s

Seriously though, the “largest democracy” tag doesn’t go well with the laws and the legal system. It’s a disappointment and a shame.

[eldaisfish]

The rule of law in india is an elaborate sham. The law is whatever you are told by any tentacle of the Indian government. The worst part is that there is no recourse - literally none. Many in the west don't have a good grasp of how the legal and administrative systems function in a country like india.

As for "largest democracy" it is true if you consider India's voting system. It is among the best in the world at access and transparency. Unfortunately, every other aspect of democracy is a joke in india.

The law you cited is intentionally vague. It is this way to give the government and administration the means to weaponize the state against the little guy.