SC stays Centre’s fact check unit, says it impacts fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression
fact check unit rules notification issued by the Union Government on March 20 till the Bombay High Court finally decides the challenges to the IT rules amendment 2023.
The top court said that the validity of the rule involves serious constitutional questions and impacts the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
The Chief Justice of India said, «Till the disposal of the issue by the HC, we are desisiting to deal on merits which may foreclose assessment by the third judge. We are of the view that notification dated March 20, 2024, after rejection of application of interim relief, need to be stayed.»
Earlier on Wednesday, the Centre notified the fact check unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to monitor online content pertaining to the government for accuracy. The fact check unit has been notified under IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
«The central government hereby notifies the Fact Check Unit under the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as the fact check unit of the Central Government for the purposes of the said sub-clause, in respect of any business of the Central Government,» the notification said.
The Fact Check Unit will be the nodal agency to tackle or alert about all fake news or misinformation related to the central government.
The notification came days after the Bombay High Court declined to restrain the Centre from notifying the unit. The petition was filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and
