The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia after news agency ANI claimed that the platform failed to comply with previous court orders. The orders instructed Wikipedia to disclose information regarding users who made allegedly defamatory edits on ANI's Wikipedia page, referring to the agency as a "propaganda tool" for the current Indian government.

Justice Navin Chawla, who presided over the case, expressed strong disapproval of Wikipedia’s actions. He warned of potential serious consequences if the platform continued to disregard the court's instructions. "I will impose contempt," he said, emphasising the importance of compliance. He added, "It is not a question of Defendant No. 1 [Wikipedia] not being an entity in India. We will close your business transactions here. We will ask the government to block Wikipedia...Earlier also you people have taken this argument. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India."

In response to Wikipedia's non-compliance, the Court ordered that an authorised representative of the platform must personally appear in court on October 25, when the matter will be heard again.

ANI had initially sued Wikipedia for defamation, alleging that the platform had allowed defamatory content to be published on its page. The edits in question reportedly described ANI as a tool for government propaganda. In an earlier hearing, the High Court had issued summons to Wikipedia, instructing the platform to provide information about three individuals responsible for making these edits.

On Thursday, ANI filed a contempt application, arguing that Wikipedia had failed to follow the court’s directive. Wikipedia’s counsel explained that the platform required additional time to comply due to the fact that it is not based in India. However, Justice Chawla rejected this explanation, noting that Wikipedia had used the same argument in previous cases.

The judge warned that if Wikipedia continues to disregard the court’s orders, contempt proceedings would be initiated. ANI was represented by Advocate Sidhant Kumar, while Wikipedia’s counsel was Advocate Tine Abraham.

The next hearing is scheduled for October 25, when further action will be determined.

Image source: PTI