New IT rules: Madras HC stays implementation of code of ethics on digital platforms

The Madras High Court on Thursday stayed the implementation of Rule 9(1) and (3) of the Centre’s new information technology-related rules, reported Bar and Bench. The two sub-sections deal with code of ethics mentioned in the rule.

Rule 9(1) says that digital media content publishers must adhere to the code of ethics in the IT guidelines. Rule 9(3) provides for a three-tier structure to address grievances made by such publishers, to ensure that the code of ethics is followed.

Rule 9 is in follows up on Rule 8, which in a sweeping manner, says that the code of ethics will be applicable on all “publishers of news and current affairs content” and “publishers of online curated content” on digital media.

The Madras High Court’s stay came on two pleas filed by musician TM Krishna and Digital News Publishers Association, an organisation of 12 digital media outlets, along with journalist Mukund Padmanabhan.

“Prima facie, there is substance to petitioner’s grievance that the oversight mechanism to control the media by government may rob the media of its independence, and the fourth pillar, so to say, of democracy may not at all be there,” the bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu said.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate PS Raman, appearing for the…

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