New Delhi: The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, issued a notice in response to a contempt plea filed by ANI Media Private Limited against Wikipedia. ANI alleged non-compliance with a judicial order directing Wikipedia to disclose the identities of individuals who edited ANI’s Wikipedia page.
Justice Navin Chawla expressed strong disapproval of Wikipedia’s counsel’s argument that it took time for the entity to appear before the court as it is not based in India. The judge remarked, “If you don’t like India, don’t work here,” and issued the notice on ANI’s contempt plea.
defamation lawsuit against Wikipedia stems from allegedly defamatory content published on its Wikipedia page. The court had earlier directed Wikipedia to disclose the subscriber details of three individuals involved within two weeks.
Justice Chawla also hinted at the possibility of asking Wikipedia to cease its business operations in India and requesting the government to block the platform if non-compliance continues.
The court has summoned Wikipedia’s authorized representative to appear in person at the next hearing.
