SC appoints a committee to examine the use of Pegasus Spyware in India
Supreme Court has appointed a committee of technical experts overseen by Justice R. V. Raveendran, to examine the use of Pegasus Spyware on Indian Citizens.
Legal
May threaten 'independence of media' and violate freedom of speech: Madras HC on the IT Rules
Madras High Court finds merit in Mr Krishna’s contention that Part II of the Rules violated the right to speech, and held that any action taken under Rule 3 read with Rule 7 shall be subject to the decision in the petition. The Court has also affirmed the previous stay on Rule 9.
Bombay High Court stays the operation of Rule 9(1) and Rule 9(3) of IT Rules, 2021
The Court found these rules, which prescribed a Code of Ethics and a 3-tier grievance redressal mechanism, to be prima facie violative of Article 19(1)(a) and beyond the rule-making power conferred by the Parliament on the Government.
MEITY filed a limited affidavit in Supreme Court without confirming or denying if the Government used Pegasus
The Government has filed a limited affidavit before the SC which proposes to constitute a Committee of Experts but does not categorically comment on whether the government used the Pegasus Spyware. The SC has heard submissions on the limited affidavit and has listed the case for 17.08.2021.
The Government again seeks time to respond to Mr T.M. Krishna’s petition
In proceedings instituted by Mr TM Krishna, challenging the validity of IT Rules, 2021, the Madras High Court directed the government to explain why appropirate action should not be taken against those responsible for the delay in their filing. The case is now listed for 13th August 2021.
SC directs States, UTs and High Courts to reply to PUCL’s Application
PUCL's application seeks direction to ensure that authorities do not continue to prosecute individuals under S.66A of the IT Act, 2000. Supreme Court heard PUCL's application and sought responses from all State's, UT's and High Court's.
Spooked by the Zombie? Ministry of Home Affairs issues notification directing all S.66A cases to stop
Prompted by our application, the Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 14, 2021 issued a notification directing all law enforcement authorities to stop registering new cases under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and to immediately withdraw all pending cases.
Explained: Supreme Court upholds Delhi Assemblies summons to Facebook
IFF explains the decision of the Supreme Court rejecting the plea filed by the Managing Director of Facebook India, Ajit Mohan against the summons issued by the Peace and Harmony Committee of Delhi Assembly which sought his appearance in an inquiry related to the Delhi Riots.
Union of India seeks a transfer of cases challenging IT Rules, 2021
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court has listed the Union of India's transfer petition before another bench on 16th July 2021. The petition seeks a transfer to the Supreme Court of 4 cases challenging IT Rules, 2021 which are pending before different High Courts.
Indore administration curbs speech on social media
Indore administration issued an over-broad order under Section 144(1) CrPC, 1973 banning speech related to Covid-19 on social media platforms. We have filed an application before the Collector, Indore seeking withdrawal of the Order.