Don’t take coercive action against digital media platforms under IT rules: Madras HC to Centre

On December 6, the Madras High Court restrained the central government from taking any coercive action against digital media platforms under the new Information Technology Rules 2021, the New Indian Express reported.

The injunction was given by the first bench of acting Chief Justice MN Bhandari and Justice PD Audikesavalu, when a new public interest litigation petition from the Indian Broadcasters & Digital Foundation was heard on Monday. According to News Minute, the petition challenged the provisions given under the rules.

During the hearing, the bench said, “The respondents [the centre] are restrained from taking any coercive action without the permission of the court.” The matter was posted for further hearing to January 25.

The petitioner's senior counsel had earlier alleged that the union government was initiating penal action as per the provisions of the rules, even though the Bombay High Court had granted an interim stay on the IT Rules a few months ago. The Kerala High Court had also passed a similar order earlier this year.