Govt files response before Madras HC for pleas challenging IT Rules 2021

The Centre on Friday submitted its counter affidavit to the Madras High Court in response to a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021).

The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D Audikesavalu listed the matter for further hearing on September 14 at 2:15 pm when the final arguments will be heard.

Senior Advocate PS Raman informed the Bench that the Centre had filed a 120 page counter affidavit and sought the Court's leave to file a reply.


Petitions have been filed by Carnatic singer and Magsaysay awardee TM Krishna, Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) and journalist Mukund Padmanabhan, calling the news "ultra vires, void and violative of Articles 14, Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India".