chief Magistrate NV Ramana Said, “Print and television media are generally responsible and have a regulatory mechanism in place to make corrections. But whatever is shown in a section of the media, especially the web-based, may take a communal colour. takes. There is no control”.
During re-hearing of over a year-old petition filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, a bench of CJI and Justices Surya Kant and AS Bopanna complained of spread of fake news and partisan reporting during the pandemic to defame Tablighi Markaz . Closed its suppressed complaints against web portals and web channels allegedly indulging in reporting irresponsible as well as motivated to damage reputation and spread communal disharmony.
“There is no regulatory control on fake news and slander by web portals and YouTube channels. They can publish anything regardless of verification or facts. If you go to YouTube, there are many channels broadcasting fake news. Anyone can start a YouTube channel and broadcast whatever they want. There is no regulatory mechanism for these channels and portals,” the CJI said, and asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Has the Center established any regulatory mechanism against those who abuse the right to freedom of expression?
Mehta said, “The real contest is between the freedom of speech and the right of citizens to get the right news and information. Through the creation of new information and technology As per the rules, we have tried to strike a balance between the media’s right to freedom of expression and the citizens’ right to information. The rules are primarily intended to prevent the spread of fake news and to hold web portals and channels accountable for the content they broadcast.
The SG said the new IT rules have been challenged in several high courts and requested scheduled caste To transfer all pending petitions to the HC for an official decision on the legality of the impugned rules affecting the media’s right to freedom of speech and citizens’ right to authentic news.
But, the CJI was yet to finish expressing his concern over the current scenario involving web portals and channels. Raman lamented, “They hurl abuses at judges, institutions and those they dislike. And when asked to take accountability for their reports, they never respond. They say whatever they want.” They have the right to publish whatever they want. There is no control over it.”
Mehta said that there is a growing tendency in a section of web portals to malign the image of individuals and institutions through irresponsible reporting. “Through the new IT regulations, the government intends to fix accountability on the media and the reports they publish. We have sought to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the right to correct news through a three-tier mechanism. First, the aggrieved person can make a complaint to the media concerned; Second, the media is mandated to take corrective measures or respond to the complaint within 15 days; Third, if no corrective measures are taken or the complaint remains unheard for more than 15 days, the authorities may initiate action,” he said.
The Supreme Court asked the SG to ensure that the central government files its fresh counter-affidavit within two weeks detailing the steps taken to check fake news and irresponsible reporting. The SC also said that it will list the Centre’s plea to transfer all the petitions in the HC challenging the new IT rules to the apex court along with the main petition filed by Jamiat Ulama.
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