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Showing posts with the label IT Act

Harsh Rules to Regulate Digital Platforms Could Harm Free Speech, Warns Supreme Court

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The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant caution regarding the regulation of digital platforms like YouTube, stressing that excessively rigid controls could have a chilling effect on freedom of speech. While acknowledging the urgent need to prevent misuse of online spaces and protect individual rights, the Court reiterated that any regulatory mechanism must be balanced, flexible, and constitutionally sound. Supreme Court’s Emphasis on a Balanced Digital Regulatory Framework During the hearing on Monday, a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted that the rising misuse of YouTube and similar platforms demands stringent oversight. However, the judges warned that harsh and inflexible rules could unintentionally impose a gag on free expression and lead to devastating consequences for digital creators and public discourse. The Bench stated that increasing incidents of online content violating privacy, dignity, and individual r...

SUPREME COURT QUESTIONS THE GOVERNMENT: CAN ONLINE GAMING BE COMPLETELY BANNED?

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Introduction: The Apex Court Steps In The Supreme Court of India has raised a critical question — can online gaming and betting platforms be completely banned in India? This came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) alleged that several betting websites and gambling platforms continue to operate under the garb of “e-sports” or “social gaming.” The bench, comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan , directed the Union Government to assist the court in determining the legality and practicality of a nationwide ban on online gaming. Background of the Case The PIL , filed by advocate Vishal Arun Mishra on behalf of CASC, calls for a complete prohibition of online betting and gambling. It further seeks clarity on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 , which was enacted to regulate the online gaming ecosystem. The court asked CASC to share its entire case file with V.C....

Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Appeal Against Madras High Court Order on Watching Child Porn

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Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Appeal Against Madras High Court Order on Watching Child Porn The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on an appeal challenging the ruling of the Madras High Court, which stated that downloading and possessing child pornography is not considered a crime. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern regarding the legal framework surrounding such offenses. Bench's Consideration and Verdict Reservation A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala heard arguments from both parties before reserving the verdict. The court has allowed the parties involved to submit written submissions by Monday, indicating the complexity and importance of the case. Appeal and High Court Ruling The appeal was filed by NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance and Bachpan Bachao Andolan against the Madras High Court's ruling in January. The High Court's decision essentially stated that simply downloading and watching c...