Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on Publishers’ Challenge

The Supreme Court on October 27 issued notice to the Centre on the Digital News Publishers Association’s challenge to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and its rules, but declined to stay the law before hearing the government. The court listed the case for November 17, alongside related pending matters. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said it would not grant an order without hearing the other side. During the hearing, the Chief Justice said the court would need to balance press freedom with individual rights and asked the media petitioners to suggest safeguards against misuse. The DNPA, which represents 21 digital news publishers, argues that the law lacks an exemption for journalistic activity. It says requirements involving notice, consent and the handling of personal data could make routine reporting difficult, impede investigative journalism and expose confidential sources. Those effects are claims made by the association and have not been established by the court. Senior advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the DNPA, sought interim relief and argued that requiring permission or consent before reporting could...