Delhi High Court orders Wikipedia to remove page on ongoing defamation case by ANI
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed Wikipedia to remove a page related to the ongoing defamation case filed against it by Asian News International (ANI). The order was issued by a Bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela during a hearing on Wednesday.
The Court expressed disapproval over the existence of the page titled "Asian News International vs. Wikimedia Foundation," stating, "First take down the Wiki page on this matter then we will hear." This ruling comes in response to an appeal from Wikipedia challenging a prior order that required a representative of the platform to appear personally in court.
The dispute arose after ANI accused Wikipedia of defamation, claiming the platform allowed users to make derogatory edits that labelled the news agency as a "propaganda tool" for the current Central government. Following the issuance of summons to Wikipedia on July 9, the High Court demanded that the platform disclose the identities of three individuals who made edits to ANI's Wikipedia page.
ANI later filed a contempt application against Wikipedia, asserting that it failed to comply with the Court's order. Wikipedia's counsel explained that their delayed appearance was due to the platform not being based in India. However, Justice Navin Chawla expressed strong concerns about Wikipedia's actions, ordering a representative to appear in court on October 25.
During earlier hearings, the Division Bench had rebuked Wikipedia for allowing the contentious page to be published and instructed the platform to seek instructions for its removal. The Court noted that Wikipedia's refusal to disclose the identities of the editors jeopardised its safe harbour protection under the Information Technology Act, thus compelling it to defend the lawsuit.
In today's hearing, the Court reiterated its concerns about the malicious potential of the page, questioning what actions Wikipedia would take if defamatory content were written about the bench itself. Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, representing Wikipedia, stated that the platform operates under a self-regulation policy and acts on court orders. However, Justice Gedela challenged this stance, highlighting the platform's apparent inaction.
The Court has mandated that the page be removed within 36 hours, with the next hearing scheduled for October 21.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
