Court Orders Centre to Respond to Petition Concerning the Barring of YouTube Channel at 4PM
**"News Flash from New Delhi": The Supreme Court has taken notice of journalist Sanjay Sharma's complaint against the Union government, regarding the blocking of his YouTube channel, 4PM News Network. sounds like a straightforward case of censorship, eh?
A petition was filed by Mr. Sharma, challenging the government's decision to block the channel on alleged grounds of "national security" and "public order." Given the significant subscriber base of 73 lakh (7.3 million), it's no wonder the channel's trivial removal has sparked some concerns.
The questionable blocking order left the editor, Sanjay Sharma, high and dry, with no prior notice or reasons given. Some might call it a blatant assault on journalistic independence and the public's right to receive information.
The petition alleges that this move violates both statutory and constitutional safeguards, stating that Rules 8, 9, and 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, are unconstitutional and enable a shadow regime of censorship devoid of transparency or accountability.
In other words, this petition's all about holding the government responsible, ensuring a fair hearing, and protecting our fundamental right to free speech.
The case is currently being handled by a bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, whoissued notices to the Centre and others. The matter is scheduled for further hearing next week. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is representing the petitioner, arguing for the removal of the blocking order without any reasons given.
It's worth noting that the Editors Guild of India has voiced their concerns about this matter. In a press statement, they deplored the decision to block the YouTube Channel 4PM News Network, calling it an "opaque use of executive power, without prior notice or opportunity for response." The Guild further argued that arbitrary takedown orders undermine the fundamental right to freedom of speech and that a transparent and accountable mechanism for content takedowns is necessary, especially when it concerns journalistic work.
So, folks, let's keep a close eye on this one. The battle for freedom of speech continues, and we'll keep you updated with all the juicy deets as they unfold! (Just a quick reminder, though - this story has not been edited by our website staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
- Sanjay Sharma, the editor of 4PM News Network, is arguing for the removal of an interim blocking order on his YouTube channel, contending it violates constitutional and statutory safeguards.
- The petition against the Union government alleges that Rules 8, 9, and 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, are unconstitutional and foster a censorship regime lacking transparency and accountability.
- Seniors in the journalism community, such as the Editors Guild of India, have condemned the blocking of YouTube Channel 4PM News Network, asserting it as a misuse of executive power, without prior notice or opportunity for response, and a threat to the fundamental right to freedom of speech.
- In the realms of policy-and-legislation and politics, this case seeks to uphold journalistic independence, ensure proportionality in the use of power, and safeguard the public's right to access general news.
