New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that people’s privacy must be protected while allowing journalists to report important news freely. The court made these comments while hearing a petition against India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its 2025 rules.
On October 27, the court asked the Central Government to respond to the petition filed by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA). The next hearing is scheduled for November 17.
Why Are News Publishers Challenging the Law?
The DNPA says the rules could make it harder for journalists to investigate corruption, report on government officials and uncover wrongdoing.
The group is concerned that journalists may need permission to collect or use personal information, even when it is needed to report an important public issue.
It has also raised concerns about government powers to ask companies for personal data and the possible exposure of confidential news sources.
What Did the Supreme Court Say?
The judges said that both sides matter: ordinary people have a right to privacy, and journalists have a right to report news.
The court asked the news publishers how they would prevent personal information from being misused while doing their work.
The DNPA argues that the law needs clear safeguards so that privacy rules do not stop important reporting.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has not made a final decision on the challenge. It will hear the matter again on November 17.
The case will examine how India can protect people’s personal information without making it difficult for journalists to report matters that affect the public.
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