Anushri Joshi
In a significant ruling delivered on October 15, 2024, the Delhi High Court directed the Wikimedia Foundation to remove a Wikipedia page “Talk: Asian News International vs. Wikimedia Foundation” pertaining to the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI) against the platform. The case involves a substantial claim of ₹2 crores.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, observed that the page in question contained derogatory remarks directed at a single Judge of the court, which they deemed to be prima facie contemptuous. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial decorum and integrity, especially in matters currently under judicial consideration.
The order is part of a broader effort by the court to uphold the sanctity of its proceedings and to mitigate any potential influence that public discourse may have on the ongoing litigation. The bench underscored that the dissemination of adverse commentary, particularly in a highly visible and accessible format such as Wikipedia, undermines the judicial process and may prejudice the rights of the parties involved in the litigation.
This case highlights the increasing intersection of technology and law, particularly concerning how information is curated and disseminated on digital platforms. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the judicial process is not compromised by potentially misleading or prejudicial information circulating in the public domain.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s vigilance in protecting its proceedings from unwarranted external influence, asserting that even seemingly innocuous platforms like Wikipedia must adhere to principles of truthfulness and respect for the legal process.
As the case unfolds, it will be imperative to monitor the implications of this ruling on freedom of expression and the responsibilities of digital platforms in managing content related to ongoing legal matters.