Bombay HC stays parts of IT Rules mandating adherence to code of ethics

Saying that “dissent” is vital for democracy, the Bombay High Court on Saturday granted an interim stay to the operation of parts of the Information Technology Rules, 2021 which require that all online publishers follow a “code of ethics”. Sub-clauses 1 and 3 of clause 9 of the new Rules were, on the face of it, “manifestly unreasonable”, and “the indeterminate and wide terms of the Rules bring about a chilling effect qua (regarding) the right of freedom of speech and expression of writers/editors/publishers” as they can be hauled up for anything if the authorities so wish, the HC said.