Technology, Media and Telecom

Recently, the Kerala High Court ("Court") ruled that media persons, in discussing the contents of a publicly available book, cannot be prosecuted for defamation. The media persons, in conducting such discussions, would be exercising their freedom of speech through engaging in fair comment and criticism. ......

On September 19, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications, ("DoT") issued the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 ("RoW Rules") under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 ("Telecom Act"). The RoW Rules, which will come into force on January 1, 2025, seek to regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of underground telecommunications infrastructure. ......

In a recent judgment, the Delhi High Court ("Court") dealt with the emerging issue of social media influencers commenting on topics they are unqualified to discuss, particularly when such comments have the potential to harm a brand's reputation. The case of Zydus Wellness Products Limited v. Mr. Prashant Desai , highlights the growing responsibility of influencers. ... ...

In January 2024, a division bench of the Bombay High Court consisting of Justice G. S. Patel and Justice Neela Ghokale (the "Division Bench") pronounced a split verdict in the case of Kunal Kamra v. Union of India & Ors. In the said matter, the constitutional validity of the amendments made to Rule. ......

In a milestone initiative to advance the digital infrastructure in the country, and with a view to increase the transparency of digital-based government functions, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ("MeitY") of the Government of India launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack. ......

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 ("BNS"), the legislation that replaced the existing Indian Penal Code, 1860 ("IPC") was brought into effect on July 1, 2024. BNS while introducing various new offences also reformulates certain older provisions and introduces new nomenclature for some offences. . . . ...

In a recent judgment delivered on May 31, 2024 , the Delhi High Court ("Court") dismissed 2 (two) suits filed by an individual seeking compensation/damages for loss of his reputation, against the newspaper Hindustan Times and its publisher, editor and correspondent (hereinafter together referred to as the "Defendants"). ......

On May 7, 2024, the Hon'ble Supreme Court passed an order in the case of Indian Medical Association & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors. requiring submission of self-declarations by advertisers/advertising agencies before the publication or broadcast of any advertisement ("Order"), for consumers to be able to make informed decisions about the quality of products that are offered to them for sale. ......

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently released a robust and intricate framework for the establishment and functioning of self-regulatory organisations (SROs) in the fintech sector (SRO-FT), aimed at fostering a balanced environment that promotes innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. ......