“If you don’t like India, don’t work here. Will ask Government to block you”: Delhi High Court issues contempt of court notice to Wikipedia

Delhi HC issues notice to Wikipedia in contempt plea filed by ANI

The Delhi High Court on Thursday slammed Wikipedia and issued a contempt of court notice after video news agency ANI claimed that the platform had failed to comply with orders to disclose information on subscribers who made allegedly defamatory edits on ANI’s Wikipedia page. The Delhi High Court made stringent observations against Wikipedia’s editing policy and non-disclosure of information to the agencies about the editors.

Justice Navin Chawla took strong objection to Wikipedia’s conduct. “I will impose contempt…It is not a question of Defendant No. 1 [Wikipedia] not being an entity in India. We will close your business transactions here. We will ask the government to block Wikipedia…Earlier also you people have taken this argument. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India,” said Justice Chawala, expressing displeasure on the non-cooperating by the US digital firm.

The Court ordered an authorized representative of Wikipedia to be personally present in Court on October 25, when the matter will be heard next. ANI has sued Wikipedia for defamation. The news agency said that Wikipedia allowed defamatory edits on its page which referred to ANI as a “propaganda tool” for the present government.

Earlier, the High Court had issued a summons to Wikipedia and ordered it to disclose information about three people who made the edits on ANI’s Wikipedia page. ANI filed a contempt application in the High Court alleging that the order has not been complied with. Wikipedia’s counsel told the Court that it has to make certain submissions regarding the order of the Court, and it took them time to appear because Wikipedia is not based in India. Delhi High Court said that this stand, taken by Wikipedia in earlier matters, has been rejected. The Court decided to initiate contempt of court action against the US digital platform.

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