The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced concerns about news being given a communal tone on social media platforms and digital outlets, reported Bar and Bench.
“There is an attempt to give communal colour to news and that is the problem,” Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said. “It ultimately brings bad name to the country.”
The chief justice made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by Islamic organisation Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the Peace Party. The petition has sought directions to stop media outlets from allegedly spreading fake news by linking the spread of the coronavirus disease with a Tablighi Jamaat congregation that took place in Delhi in March 2020.
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said: “The problem is, everything in this country is shown with a communal angle by a section of the media. That is the problem. The country is going to get a bad name ultimately.”
The plea in the court sought action against media reports blamed for “communal branding of Covid” linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering at Markaz Nizamuddin in the capital.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, added: “Not only communal but also planted stories. These portals can even put fake news.”
The judges were sharply critical of reporting by websites.
“Web portals only listen to powerful voices and write anything against judges, institutions without any accountability. Web portal only worry about powerful men and not judges, institution or common people. That is our experience,” the court said.
“Forget individuals. Web portals write very badly even against institutions,” said the Chief Justice.
He said the portals had no accountability and “never respond to us”.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over fake news on social media platforms and websites.
The judges commented that there is no control over fake news and slander in portals and YouTube channels. “If you go to YouTube, you will find how fake news is freely circulated and anyone can start a channel on YouTube,” they said.
“I have never come across web portals taking any action,” said Justice Ramana.
“At least the NBSA (National Broadcasting Standards Authority) are responding to responsible people. Respond to us.”
The Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind has asked the court to direct the Centre to stop dissemination of “fake news” related to the gathering at the Markaz Nizamuddin and take strict action against those responsible for it.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear after six weeks the Centre’s plea seeking the transfer of petitions from various High Courts on new IT rules meant to regulate online content.
