The Delhi High Court has provided the Centre with an extension to report on measures taken to regulate content on social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
Previously, the court had instructed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) to enhance the enforcement of relevant regulations concerning intermediaries, as outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The Court also urged the ministry to create any additional laws or rules deemed necessary.
During proceedings on April 12, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma noted, “Monika Arora, Standing Counsel for the Union of India, is urged to accept notification on behalf of both the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which are pertinent to this matter. She requests additional time to submit a response.”
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 25.
This case addresses the urgent need for establishing regulations and guidelines to oversee content on social media and OTT platforms. The court emphasized the importance of tackling the prevalent use of vulgar language in public spaces and on social media channels accessible to young audiences.
Critiquing the language featured in the TVF web series ‘College Romance’, the high court expressed concern that the use of coarse language degrades women, objectifying them as mere sexual objects through explicit terms.
The court’s decision on March 6 upheld a prior order from the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), directing the Delhi Police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against TVF, the series’ director Simarpreet Singh, and actor Apoorva Arora under the Information Technology Act.
It was specifically clarified that this directive does not entail an immediate arrest of any accused or petitioners.
Addressing concerns faced by India and other nations regarding the establishment of effective laws and guidelines to regulate content on social media and OTT platforms, the high court highlighted the urgent need for action.
Following a review of several episodes from the series, the court noted the presence of excessive ‘swear words’, ‘profane language’, and ‘vulgar expletives’. The presiding judge had to use earphones while reviewing the episodes due to the shockingly explicit nature of the dialogue, which was deemed inappropriate for audible exposure in public settings.
