Aishwarya Rathore –
Published on: September 2, 2021, at 22:14 IST
The Supreme Court has decided to transfer all cases challenging the revised Information Technology (IT) Rules and Cable TV Rules to itself, expressing grave concern over the “unregulated” transmission of fake news and false information on social media platforms.
The Order was issued by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Court during the hearing of a plea seeking effective media control.
The Bench comprising CJI NV Ramana, and Justices Surya Kant and A S Bopanna stated, “Web portals and YouTube channels are running amuck with fake news and slandering of reputations in the absence of a regulatory mechanism.”
CJI Ramana added, “I don’t know why everything is given a communal angle. Institutions and Judges are maligned on social media. They say we are not responsible.”
Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, responded that the Centre has come up with new Information and Technology (IT) Rules to address the issues raised by the CJI.
However, many petitions contesting the new IT rules have been filed in the High Courts.
Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the Centre had filed a motion to transfer all of the petitions to the Supreme Court.
After observing that TV and print media have both self-regulation and statutory regulations, the Supreme Court has urged the Centre to look into the regulations of social and digital media.
Also Read: Freedom of Speech not curtailed by IT Rules 2021: Centre to Delhi HC
