On May 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of India overturned a Delhi High Court order that had directed the Wikimedia Foundation to remove a Wikipedia article detailing a defamation lawsuit filed by news agency ANI against Wikimedia. The High Court’s order, issued in October 2024, deemed the article as potentially contemptuous and interfering with court proceedings, leading to its removal from Wikipedia.

The Supreme Court criticized the High Court’s directive as disproportionate and emphasized that courts, as public institutions, must remain open to public observation, debate, and criticism. It stated that ordering media takedowns without proving real harm could have a chilling effect on free speech.

This ruling is seen as a significant affirmation of press freedom and the importance of open discourse, especially concerning judicial proceedings. ANI acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision, noting it as a recognition of the press’s right to report on legal matters, while also highlighting that reporting restrictions might be appropriate in exceptional cases to avoid prejudice.

The defamation case itself remains pending and will be reheard by a single judge in the Delhi High Court.

Sources