IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Modi government’s commitment to “democratizing technology” in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing potential AI regulation and the need for societal consensus. He highlighted the importance of addressing misinformation and promoting AI education through data labs in smaller cities, while ensuring responsible AI adoption aligns with safety and transparency principles.
Delhi Police opposed Nadeem Khan’s plea, citing risks to communal harmony due to his social media actions. They argue he spreads misleading narratives that instigate unrest and threaten unity. The Delhi High Court granted him interim protection from arrest while emphasizing cooperation in the investigation, highlighting the importance of maintaining national harmony.
Former CJI DY Chandrachud warned that unrestricted freedom of speech can harm marginalized voices in an unequal society, as powerful individuals might misuse it to suppress others. He emphasized that unchecked liberty could disrupt social equality and harmony, advocating for fraternity as essential for democracy while acknowledging the complexities of free speech.
Today, On 4th December, the Delhi High Court rejected a plea challenging Navjot Sidhu’s claim regarding his wife’s cancer cure, emphasizing the importance of free speech. The court ruled that personal expression should not be curtailed by legal actions, allowing Sidhu’s statements to stand despite allegations of misinformation regarding cancer treatments.
Justice BV Nagarathna, born on 30-10-1962, assumed office in the Supreme Court of India on 31-08-2021. With 68 authored judgments, notable cases include Bilkis Yakub Rasool v Union of India and Vivek Narayan Sharma v Union of India. She is celebrated for pioneering women’s representation in the judiciary.
The Kerala High Court dismissed defamation charges against three individuals for waving black flags at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s convoy in 2017. The court ruled that such protests do not amount to defamation or illegal obstruction, underscoring the legitimacy of this form of dissent within the framework of freedom of expression.
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The Kerala High Court dismissed criminal proceedings against Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai for his comments on the Supreme Court’s Sabarimala ruling. The court emphasized the need for contextual assessment of speech, noting that Pillai’s remarks were made at a private event. His position as Governor also granted him immunity from prosecution.
BJP leader Suresh Nakhua requested more time to rectify a flawed affidavit in his defamation case against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Rathee sought the case’s dismissal, emphasizing Nakhua’s repeated errors. The court noted procedural issues and scheduled a hearing for February 2025, awaiting clarification on the affidavit’s compliance with new legal requirements.
In an exclusive interview, outgoing Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud discussed the balance between regulating hate speech and preserving free expression. He defended India’s reservation system for promoting equality, emphasized the judiciary’s role in democracy, and underscored the importance of fair compensation for judges, acknowledging his contributions to rights and transparency during his tenure.
The Kerala High Court emphasized the need for responsible media reporting, cautioning against “media trials” that presuppose guilt or innocence in ongoing cases. While freedom of speech is fundamental, it must not overshadow the judiciary’s role or the accused’s right to a fair trial, warning against prejudicing public opinion.