Any "Senior, Responsible Officer" From Facebook Can Appear Before Delhi Legislative Assembly: Dr. Abhishek Singhvi Clarifies Before Supreme Court

In an interesting development, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, senior counsel appearing on behalf of Delhi Legislative Assembly informed the Supreme Court that "any senior, responsible officer from Facebook" can come and appear before the Assembly and not necessarily Mr. Ajit Mohan.

The clarification came after the Supreme Court continued to hear Facebook India Vice President, Ajit Mohan's challenge to the two summons issued by the Delhi Legislative Assembly's Committee On Peace and Harmony asking him to appear to look into the role of fake news behind the Delhi riots of February 2020.

The basis of this clarification was formed by the arguments advanced by Mr. Salve contending that the Committee on Peace and Harmony formed by the Delhi Legislative Assembly had specifically named Mr. Ajit Mohan in order to compel his attendance to give evidence on oath before the Committee.

Dr. Singhvi responded to a question asked by Justice Kaul indicating that Mr. Salve had submitted that the Assembly cannot compel Mr. Mohan to give evidence on oath and that the Assembly did not send notice to Facebook for sending "any other alternative competent person" accustomed with the facts of the case.

To this, Dr. Singhvi replied "I have never said that apart from Mr. Ajit Mohan anyone else cannot be recognized before us."

At the outset, Justice Kaul recorded the submission by remarking "I have noted your argument that "any senior competent officer can come before us and not just Mr. Mohan."

The bench had then risen for lunch break. The hearing will continue after the bench reassembles.

Live updates of the hearing can be accessed here