Delhi HC orders status quo on removal of social media posts on Adani

The court noted the submission of Centre's counsel who said its directions to journalises to take down the posts were issued by way of an information on civil court's order to the parties concerned

The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered status quo on the removal of social media posts on Adani Group of Companies by senior journalist Ravish Kumar and digital news platform Newslaundry.

Justice Sachin Datta take note of the submissions of Adani Enterprises that it will not be asking Kumar and Newslaundry to take down any more content from their sites or any other intermediary, as existing on 12 noon, September 26.

"It is agreed that in case the petitioners have already taken down any material, the same shall not be re uploaded," the judge said, clarifying that it will continue till the trial decides the suit filed by Adani Enterprises.

The court noted the submission of the Centre's counsel who said its directions to the journalises to take down the posts were issued by way of an information on civil court's order to the parties concerned.

The high court said the government had also communicated to the journalists and organisations the subsequent court directions staying the gag order.

"Needless to state that in light of the aforesaid understanding, the Union of India will address a corrigendum to the petitioners," Justice Datta added.

The court then disposed of pleas by Newslaundry and Kumar challenging the Centre's purported direction, asking digital news publishers to take down multiple reports and videos concerning Adani Group of Companies.