Ever since the new IT rules were implemented earlier this year, they have been a matter of contention across a spectrum of digital media platforms and the Indian govt.
The Madras HC on Thursday stayed certain sub-clauses of the newly amended Information Technology Rules, 2021.
The amendment, being termed as Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code by the Modi government, made digital platforms like Whatsapp and Twitter to adhere to new rules albeit reluctantly.
The sub-clauses (1) and (3) of Rule 9, which pertained to adherence to the Code of Ethics, were stayed by Madras HC. Last month, the Bombay HC had stayed the same clauses while terming them as 'manifestly unreasonable' and 'going beyond the IT Act'.
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Madras HC was hearing a batch of PILs by carnatic musician TM Krishna and 13 media outlets when it remarked, 'there was prima facie substance in the petitioners' contention that a control mechanism would rob the media of its independence and democratic principles'.