Delhi High Court delivers blow to Wikipedia
The Delhi High Court ordered Wikipedia to remove content labeling a news agency as a government propaganda tool. Justice Subramonium Prasad’s bench issued this interim order ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on April 4.
The court stressed that no news agency should be unfairly tagged as a propaganda tool. Earlier, on September 5, 2024, it issued a contempt notice against Wikipedia. The court warned of strict action if its orders were ignored.
The news agency claimed Wikipedia falsely described it as a government mouthpiece. The court had directed Wikipedia to reveal the editor’s identity, but Wikipedia refused.
In July 2024, the court asked Wikipedia to disclose the user’s name, arguing that without it, the agency couldn’t present its case properly. Wikipedia responded that it had communicated the court’s notice but refused to share the identity, citing privacy concerns.
The High Court insisted on transparency, stating that withholding user information could obstruct justice. The final order will be uploaded on the court’s website later.
