HC stays 2 clauses of IT rules, says they may rob media of independence

CHENNAI: The Madras high court on Thursday stayed the operation of the oversight mechanism brought in through the new Information Technology Act Rules by the Centre, saying it may rob the media of its independence.

The HC said this while passing the interim order staying the operation of Rule 9 (1) and (3) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Pointing out that a similar order has also been passed by the Bombay high court, the Madras HC said: “Indeed, there may have been no need to pass an independent order. However, it is submitted on behalf of the petitioners that notwithstanding the order passed by the Bombay high court, which ought to have a pan India effect,