The Delhi High Court issued a stern reprimand to Wikimedia Foundation Inc., the organization operating Wikipedia, for not adhering to an order requiring the disclosure of information regarding edits made to the Wikipedia page of Indian news agency, Asian News International (ANI). Justice Navin Chawla, overseeing the case, issued a contempt notice to Wikimedia and warned the organization of severe consequences if non-compliance continues.
“If you don’t like India, don’t work here,” Justice Chawla asserted. The court declared it would impose contempt charges and consider actions to close Wikimedia’s business transactions in India or ask the government to block Wikipedia in the country. This firm stance came after Wikipedia’s legal team requested an extension for submissions, citing its status as a non-Indian entity.
The case originated from a defamation suit filed by ANI against Wikimedia, alleging that defamatory content was being allowed on its Wikipedia page. The court had summoned Wikimedia on July 9 following ANI’s claims. Wikimedia stated in response that it is a technology host and does not add, edit, or control Wikipedia’s content, which is managed by its global community of volunteer editors.
At a hearing on August 20, ANI pointed out that three individuals mentioned in the lawsuit were not administrators on Wikipedia. The court then directed Wikimedia to provide subscriber details of these individuals within two weeks. ANI subsequently filed a contempt petition against Wikimedia for non-compliance, resulting in the issuance of the contempt notice.
ANI’s petition aims to prevent Wikipedia from publishing defamatory content and demands the removal of existing defamatory material. The news agency is also claiming damages amounting to ₹2 crore. ANI alleges that the Wikipedia page falsely portrays it as a propaganda tool for the central government, spreading content from fake news networks, and misreporting events—claims that ANI argues are damaging to its reputation.
The high court has summoned a representative from Wikimedia to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for October.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-hc-warns-wikipedia-over-ani-defamation-case-issues-contempt-notice-11725517336837.html
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