NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has ordered news outlets and certain social media platforms such as Twitter and Google to remove news articles alleging forced conversion of Muslims. Judge Pratibha M Singh issued this order because the distribution of this video could cause harm.
The court ordered the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Indian Press Council, the Bureau of Broadcasting News and Digital Standards, Google and Twitter to comply with the order. Notifications were also sent to Sudarshan News Chairman Suresh K. Chaban, Orissa Television Limited, Piti Media LLP, broadcaster owner Bharat Prakashan and Voice of the People.
“Given the fact that a serious threat exists, as indicated by the comments, I order the links provided to be immediately blocked from public viewing,” the court said. “It’s a matter of his safety. If they (Sudarshan News) don’t block, block (social media platform). …it (video) needs to be blocked by everyone.”
Khan has demanded that online platforms remove news articles and videos related to the lawsuit filed against him in April over the charges against a Delhi woman who accused him of forced conversion.
Plaintiff Azmat Ali Khan poses as a classical music teacher and asked the court to remove the video clip. On April 19, a Delhi resident filed a FIR against her petitioner for being forced to convert to her religion. Lawyers for the petitioner claim the video has been circulated online to heighten tensions within the community.
She also sent messages to respondents including YouTube, Google, Twitter, Sudarshan TV, its editor-in-chief Suresh Chavanke, Orissa TV and Bharat Prakashan.