SC Expresses Concern Over 'Communal Tone' In News Channels & Fake News Circulation

A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana expressed concern over "communal tone" in news shown in a section of private channels.

Representative Photo

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concerns over fake news being spread on social media platforms and web portals. It observed that even news shown in a section of channels carries a communal tone, which can bring a bad name to India.

A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana was hearing a batch of petitions including the plea filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind seeking direction for the Union government to stop dissemination of "fake news" related to the religious gathering at the Markaz Nizamuddin while also asking for strict action to be taken against those responsible.

"Everything shown in a section of private news channels bears a communal tone. Ultimately, this country is going to get a bad name. Did you ever attempt to regulate these private channels," asked the bench, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The bench comprising justices Surya Kant and A S Bopanna commented that social media only listens to the powerful voices and several things are written against judges, institutions without any accountability.

CJI Ramana also observed: "These social media sites and channels even don't respond to us. They say we are not responsible. Institutions, judges, maligned on social media", news agency ANI reported.

"If you go to Youtube, you can see there is much fake news and false information being circulated. Anyone can start doing it. You have regulatory mechanisms as far as papers and TV are concerned, but are you suggesting that there is no regulatory mechanism?" the CJI asked Solicitor General.

What is the use of powerful debates if only people who are powerful are allowed to get their matters redressed and the common man's grievance is not addressed, he stated.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, the senior lawyer appearing for the Union of India (UoI), asked the Supreme Court to grant two weeks' time to file a response over the concerns raised. To this, the CJI said, "you have taken four adjournments to file affidavit Mr Mehta", ANI reported.

Mehta responded that the balance is between freedom of the press and the right of citizens to get correct information. "We have tried to make sure that no untoward information/news is broadcast. Rules have been framed for broadcasters and web portals," he contended.

Meanwhile, the apex court also agreed to hear the Union government's plea seeking transfer of petitions from various high courts to itself after six weeks, over the issue of IT rules 2021 meant to regulate online content including social media and web portals.

(With Inputs From Agencies)