GUWAHATI: The operator of the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia filed an appeal on Monday, April 7, challenging a recent Delhi High Court order that directed the removal of content allegedly defaming a popular Indian news outlet.
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The order, issued last week, stated that the statements in question harmed the professional reputation of the news agency and were therefore defamatory.
The original lawsuit was filed in 2023 by the news outlet, which objected to descriptions on its Wikipedia page suggesting that it had been criticised for acting as a "propaganda tool" for the government. The outlet claimed the content was misleading and sought its removal, along with an apology and damages amounting to ₹2 crore.
In response, the Delhi High Court ruled that the remarks in the Wikipedia article were defamatory and ordered their removal. The court held that the statements “tarnish the professional reputation” of the plaintiff and warranted immediate corrective action.
However, the Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, has now sought to appeal the court's decision before a larger bench. The court's website confirms that the appeal has been filed, although the hearing was postponed and a new date is yet to be announced.
The legal action marks another instance of a global technology platform becoming involved in court proceedings over content moderation in India. In a similar case, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is currently contesting government directives requiring the removal of certain posts related to the 2021 farmers' protests.
