Dissent in democracy vital; Code of Ethics under IT Rules 2021 a 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over people: Bombay High Court stays Rule 9

With the 2021 Rules, one would have to think twice before criticizing any personality, even if the writer may have good reasons to do so without resorting to defamation or contravention of any other law, the Court said.

Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni

Neha Joshi

Criticism and acceptance of contra views is crucial in democracy, the Bombay High Court observed partially staying the operation of Rule 9(1) and (3) of the recently notified Information Technology (Guidelines for intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021). (AGIJ Promotion Of Nineteenonea Media Pvt. Ltd. & Anr. v. Union of India & Anr.)

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Bombay High Court