Delhi HC Seeks Centre's Response On Removal Of Fake News, Hate Speech From Social Media

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Union government for its response on a petition filed by BJP leader K N Govindacharya seeking removal of alleged fake news and hate speech doing the rounds on social media and online platforms such as Google, Facebook and Twitter. The Delhi High Court bench led by Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar heard the matter.

The High Court Bench also issued notice to Google, Facebook and Twitter on the petition. Significantly, it asked them to respond with details regarding the designated officers of these social media and online platforms.

The High Court has posted the matter for hearing to April 13.

The Delhi High Court taking cognisance of the matter is considered by legal experts to be an important step in monitoring and checking online hate. Of late, there have been several such instances of alleged hate material going unchecked on social media platforms, they point out.

It remains to be seen whether the High Court in its next hearing frames specific guidelines under the law for these social media platforms to act upon.

The Delhi High Court is also hearing the matter related to filing cases against leaders of political parties who in the run-up to the Delhi elections and later, gave alleged hate speeches.