The Delhi High Court issued an interim order directing the Wikimedia Foundation to remove allegedly defamatory statements from the Wikipedia page of News Agency.
Justice Subramonium Prasad addressed an application from the News Agency which accused Wikipedia of hosting edits that label it a “propaganda tool” for the Central government. The court allowed certain requests and indicated that the order would be available on the court’s website by the evening. In December 2024, the court had reserved its decision on the interim application but voiced concerns about delving into the details of the edits at that stage.
In July 2024, the court summoned Wikipedia to provide information on the individuals who made the disputed edits. After the news agency claimed non-compliance, the court expressed strong disapproval and issued a contempt notice, leading Wikipedia to appeal. An agreement was reached where Wikipedia served notices to the accused users while maintaining their anonymity.
Although that page has been taken down, Wikipedia is appealing the order in the Supreme Court, which has scheduled a hearing for April 4.
