The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia after ANI alleged that the platform failed to comply with an order to disclose information on users who made allegedly defamatory edits to ANI’s Wikipedia page
Justice Navin Chawla expressed strong disapproval of Wikipedia’s actions, warning of potential consequences, stating, “I will impose contempt…It is not a question of Defendant No 1 [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 have taken this argument. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India.”
The Court ordered a Wikipedia representative to personally appear in court on October 25, when the matter will be further heard.
ANI has filed a defamation suit against Wikipedia, accusing the platform of allowing defamatory edits that labeled the news agency as a “propaganda tool” for the current government.
Previously, the High Court had summoned Wikipedia and directed it to provide information about three individuals who made the edits on ANI’s Wikipedia page.
ANI subsequently filed a contempt application, alleging non-compliance with the court’s order.
Wikipedia’s counsel explained that it needed time to respond due to the platform’s non-Indian base. However, Justice Chawla dismissed this argument, noting it had been previously rejected, and warned of impending contempt action.
Advocate Sidhant Kumar represented ANI, while advocate Tine Abraham appeared for Wikipedia.
(With inputs from agency)
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