Congress and CPI(M) Applaud Bombay High Court's Decision to Quash IT Rules Targeting 'Fake News'

The Bombay High Court recently quashed amended Information Technology rules aimed at identifying ‘fake and false’ content against the government on social media platforms, declaring them unconstitutional. Congress and CPI(M) welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that the rules infringed the right to equality and freedom of speech and could have a 'chilling effect' on free expression.

The Congress on Saturday welcomed the Bombay High Court's decision to quash the amended Information Technology rules that aimed to identify 'fake and false' content about the government on social media platforms, calling it a 'bizarre joke' by the ruling dispensation.

The Bombay High Court on Friday struck down these rules, ruling them unconstitutional as they infringed on the right to equality and freedom of speech. The court highlighted that the vague and broad nature of the rules could cause a 'chilling effect' on individuals and social media intermediaries.

Reacting to the ruling, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted that the fact-check unit was rightly deemed unconstitutional. The CPI(M) also welcomed the decision, calling it a stand against efforts to curb press freedom and free speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)