The Madras High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Central Government for the delay in filing a response to pleas challenging the new IT Rules 2021.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P. D. Audikesavalu adjudicating upon two writ petitions challenging the constitutionality of the IT Rules, 2021. Two petitions were filed in the High Court, one by Carnatic vocalist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee T.M. Krishna claiming the IT Rules imposed arbitrary restrictions on digital news media and social media intermediaries. The other plea was filed by Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) and journalist Mukund Padmanabhan challenging the constitutionality of the IT Rules.
Earlier on July 14, the Court had granted the Union two weeks to file its counter-affidavit. Yesterday, the High Court took serious objection to a request made by a counsel for the Union of India to grant more time to file its response.
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“Learned Additional Solicitor General should explain why appropriate measures should not be taken against those responsible for not filing the counter-affidavit on behalf of the Union despite previous directions,” the Court ordered while adjourning the matter till August 13.