New
Delhi:
Web portals “only listen to powerful voices” and “write anything” against
judges or institutions, the Supreme Court said in scathing remarks today while
hearing a case against media reports on the Tablighi Jamaat gathering last year
in Delhi that was blamed for a spike in Covid cases in the first few months of
the pandemic. The court also noted that news shown in a section of the media
had a communal tone, which, it said, could bring the country a bad name.
Naming
YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, the Supreme Court said, “Web portals have no
accountability”.
“The
problem is, everything in this country is shown with a communal angle by a
section of the media. That is the problem. The country is going to get a bad
name ultimately,” said Chief Justice NV Ramana, questioning the government
about the regulatory mechanism for websites and TV channels.
Solicitor
General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, added: “Not only communal
but also planted stories. These portals can even put fake news.”
The
Supreme Court is hearing a petition that requests action against media reports
accused of “communal branding of Covid” linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering
at Markaz Nizamuddin in the capital.
The
judges were sharply critical of reporting by websites.
“Web
portals only listen to powerful voices and write anything against judges,
institutions without any accountability. Web portal only worry about powerful
men and not judges, institution or common people. That is our experience,” the
court said.
“Forget
individuals. Web portals write very badly even against institutions,” said the
Chief Justice.
He
said the portals had no accountability and “never respond to us”.
The
Supreme Court expressed serious concern over fake news on social media
platforms and websites.
The
judges commented that there is no control over fake news and slander in portals
and YouTube channels. “If you go to YouTube, you will find how fake news is
freely circulated and anyone can start a channel on YouTube,” they said.
“I
have never come across web portals taking any action,” said Justice Ramana.
“At
least the NBSA (National Broadcasting Standards Authority) are responding to
responsible people. Respond to us.”
The
Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind has asked the court to direct the Centre to stop
dissemination of “fake news” related to the gathering at the Markaz Nizamuddin
and take strict action against those responsible for it.
The
Supreme Court agreed to hear after six weeks the Centre's plea seeking the
transfer of petitions from various High Courts on new IT rules meant to
regulate online content.
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