“Will ask government to block you”: Delhi High Court Slaps Wikipedia with Contempt Notice

The Delhi High Court on September 5 issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia, according to a Bar and Bench report. The order by the HC came in a case where Asian News International (ANI) has accused Wikipedia of defamation. 

ANI said Wikipedia has disregarded the orders to reveal information about users who allegedly edited ANI’s Wikipedia page in a derogatory manner. The edits reportedly called ANI a “propaganda tool” for the present government. 

The case was heard by the bench of Justice Navin Chawla. Advocate Tine Abraham appeared for Wikipedia, while Advocate Sidhant Kumar represented ANI in the case. 

“I will impose contempt...It is not a question of Wikipedia not being an entity in India. We will close your business transactions here. We will ask the government to block Wikipedia...Earlier also, you people have taken this argument. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India,” said Justice Chawla. 

Wikipedia is an American free online content encyclopedia and was launched in 2001. “As a technology host, the Wikimedia Foundation generally does not add, edit or determine content published on Wikipedia. Wikipedia’s content is determined by its global community of volunteer editors (also known as the ‘Wikimedia Community’) who compile and share information on notable subjects,” the foundation reportedly said in a statement, earlier this year.  

The court has adjourned the matter and will hear the matter on October 25. Additionally, the news agency has demanded the removal of the content and monetary compensation. 

The court also said, "if you don’t like India, then please do not operate here." The case revolves around the responsibility of online platforms for their content moderation.