The Supreme Court ruled that it is not the responsibility of courts to order media to delete or take down content.
The case involved a challenge to a Delhi High Court order asking Wikimedia to remove a page related to a defamation case between Asian News International (ANI) and the Wikimedia Foundation.
The High Court had ordered the takedown of a page, claiming it violated court proceedings and the sub-judice principle.
The Supreme Court found the takedown order "disproportionate" and set it aside.
The judgment emphasized that courts should not regulate or stifle freedom of speech and expression.
Both the judiciary and media are vital for a democracy and should work together to promote open debate.
Courts must remain open to public observations, debate, and constructive criticism.
Media can debate ongoing cases but must remain objective and constructive, avoiding scandalous or personal attacks.
Courts can issue orders against the media only if there's a real risk to the fairness of proceedings or public knowledge.
Postponement orders for media publications should only be made if necessary to protect a fair trial and should be limited in scope and duration.
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