SC Stays on Fact Check Unit Notification

On 21st March, Apex court stayed operation of Fact Checking Unit (FCU) notification until Bombay High Court resolves challenges to IT Rule amendments.

Key Points

Challenges to Government Directive: High Court petitions raise concerns over potential impact on freedom of speech and press freedom.
Concerns over FCU's Fairness: FCU's role as arbiter raises worries about government's impartiality in flagging content critical of it.
Implications for Free Speech: Debate centers on the chilling effect on free speech and the need for independent fact-checking mechanisms.
Bombay High Court's Verdict: Bombay High Court's split verdict necessitates Supreme Court intervention pending final decision on IT Rule amendments.
Background on IT Rule Amendments: Amendments to Information Technology Rules in 2023 empower FCU to flag fake or misleading content related to government business.