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.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
