Will Regulate Social Media Platforms To Make It Safer From Use Of Vulgar Language: Union Govt To Delhi High Court

The Union Government has told the Delhi High Court that it will incorporate Rules or Regulations to regulate and make social media platforms and intermediaries safer from the use of profanity and vulgar language.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma took note of an affidavit filed by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology in compliance of the court’s directions passed in a ruling wherein it was observed that the use of vulgar language in public domain and on social media platforms needs to be taken seriously as they are open to children of tender age.

In the compliance report, the Union Government said that it has taken note of the court’s directions and that appropriate Rules or Regulations will be put in place on the subject as it is a policy decision.

“Considering the same, this Court while taking note of the fact that it is a policy decision which is to be undertaken by the Ministry and the legislature, it is sufficient compliance of the order of this Court. This Court has been assured that the concerns of this Court expressed through the said judgment will be incorporated in the future rules and regulations which will be shortly undertaken,” the court said.

In the judgment, Justice Sharma had heavily criticized the language used in web series “College Romance”, observing that it does not pass "morale decency community test" of a common man and transgresses into the area of obscenity.

The court had said that the use of obscene words and foul language on social media platforms have to be regulated “when it crosses a particular line” as it can be a “true threat” to impressionable minds and cannot receive constitutional protection of free speech.

It also said that the media cannot be allowed to legitimize offensive language including swearing and profane words in the garb of change of language with passage of time.

“This Court by way of this judgment is not creating any new law, rather in the present situation, the Court wants to ensure that by way of rigorous process of legal reasoning and having regard to written provisions of available laws, case laws and societal affirmed values, it is able to point out the wrong doers and bring them within the ambit of law. This is not law making in the legislative sense, but essentially legitimate judicial work for which this Court is bound by its solemn oath to the Constitution of India. Even if a judgment triggers a debate in the society about an issue at the heart of a societal problem, it will serve the ends of justice i.e. the ultimate goal of a judge,” the court had observed.

Also Read: Need To Regulate Content With Vulgar Language On Social Media, OTT Platforms: Delhi High Court

Also Read: TVF Web Series College Romance's Language Does Not Pass 'Community Test Of Common Man', Transgresses Into Area Of Obscenity: Delhi High Court

Title: TVF MEDIA LABS PVT LTD & ORS v. STATE (GOVT.OF NCT OF DELHI) & ANR.

Click Here To Read Order