Tags Freedom of speech and expression

Tag: freedom of speech and expression

July 9, 2025
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Defining the Lines of Sub Judice in the Digital Age: Th...

In the case of Wikimedia Foundation Inc. v. ANI Media Private Limited and Ors.[1], the Supreme Court of India (“the Supreme Court“) struck down an order passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi (“the High Court“) that directed Wikimedia Foundation Inc....
August 25, 2021
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Freedom of Speech and Expression vs. Content Regulation...

The Government of India, in February 2021, introduced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“Rules”) under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”), to regulate intermediaries, publishers and individual creators of news and current affairs content and online curated content. ......
May 19, 2021
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The Supreme Court Rules on the Quarrel Over Oral Remark...

The Supreme Court has recently, in the case of The Chief Election Commissioner of India Vs. M.R Vijaybhaskar & Ors. ("Judgment"), reiterated the inalienable right of the media to report oral remarks of judges during the course of any hearing. A bench, led by Justice DY Chandrachud, comprehensively tackled this precarious question which had found its way to the Apex Court. ......
May 18, 2020
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Hasmukh Gets the Last Laugh as Delhi High Court Dismiss...

As a general rule, it is frowned upon to bring disrepute to a person. That general principle is integral enough for the law to be concerned with it. The Indian Penal Code (“Code“) defines defamation as “making or publishing an imputation concerning any person, intending to harm, or knowing or having reason that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person....
March 30, 2020
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Social Media Influencer’s Continuing Battle for Freedom...

On February 14, 2020, a Division Bench of the High Court of Bombay lifted an injunction granted to Marico Limited and permitted a social media influencer to post a video reviewing a Marico product, subject to few amendments in the video....
Social media influencers
January 21, 2020
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Social media influencers, freedom of speech and tradema...

In today’s hyper-connected world, social media influencing is one of the most impactful and effective ways of marketing and advertising. But while many of us are familiar with the hashtag culture and the drill used by social media influencers – ‘like’, ‘share’, ‘comment’ and ‘subscribe’, we do not necessarily understand who an influencer actually is....
March 20, 2019

Balancing Defamation and Free Speech Notes for the publ...

In what has been termed a “defamation blitz”, an Indian corporate house has filed at least 28 defamation suits in courts since January 2018, targetting media and publishing houses, journalists, authors and politicians. Four companies under the Reliance Group have filed these suits objecting to content and reportage published about the company’s commercial activities. This is part of a larger trend in India around defamation suits which raises many questions for publishing houses and authors. ...

NCLT’s Jurisdiction for Fraud in Oppression and Mismanagement Petitions: The Supreme...

The role of the National Company Law Tribunal ("NCLT") as a specialised forum under company law has often led to questions around the exact scope of its jurisdiction.

Can a Trade Mark be opposed in India before it is Advertised for Opposition?

In India, the law provides for formal opposition to a trademark application only after it is advertised, but can a third party intervene even during the pre-advertisement stage?

Essential Clauses in a Contract – Force Majeure in light of Regulatory Shifts and Co...

In August 2025, Dream11, an Indian fantasy sports platform, terminated its Rs. 358 Crore sponsorship agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India ("BCCI").

A New Era in Online Gaming Regulation: Introduction to India’s latest Gaming Act

On 20th August, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”) announced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 (“the Act”), a significant legislative milestone which has since received the President’s assent and become an Act.

Guide to the 13th Nice Classification (2025-26) for Trademarks in India

The updated 13th edition of the Nice Classification reclassifies goods and services to streamline the trademark application and registration process.

A Stitch in Time: Quia Timet and Trademarks in India

Brand owners can use quia timet actions in India proactively to stop trademark infringement before it even happens, but must be careful about how, when and before which forum they seek remedies.

May or Shall: A Curious Case of usage in Arbitration Clauses

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court ("SC") in BGM and M-RPL-JMCT (JV) v. Eastern Coalfields Limited reiterated that not every inclusion of an arbitration clause in a contract would amount to a valid arbitration agreement...

E-Acceptance of Arbitration Agreements: Valid under Law?

The emergence of digital platforms catering to instant communication has transformed the structure and form in which business transactions are negotiated between the parties.

India upgrades its guidelines for computer-related inventions

India's new 2025 CRI Guidelines clarify patentability for computer-related inventions, which will impact applications in cutting edge areas, including AI, ML, and Blockchain technology.

Of informed users and dissected designs: The Delhi High Court clarifies essentials of desi...

What is the standard that decides whether a design is novel or not? The Delhi High Court clarifies that instructed eye or informed user test remains the primary standard in Indian design law.