The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that news in a section of media bears a communal tone which could bring a bad name to the country as it was hearing a petition linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Delhi last year which was blamed for the surge in Covid-19 cases.
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said: “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.”
The plea in the court sought action against media reports blamed for “communal branding of Covid” linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering at Markaz Nizamuddin in the capital.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, added: “Not only communal but also planted stories. These portals can even put fake news.”
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.
