New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday showed strictness regarding ‘obscene’ content present on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The judges have suggested that Aadhaar card should be mandatory to watch pornographic materialThe court believes that this will protect children from wrong content, This suggestion has been given by the bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, During the hearing, the judges said that merely giving a warning is not enough, By the time the audience reads the warning the show has started, so Using Aadhaar to verify age can be a better optionThis hearing was being held on the petitions filed against comedians and podcasters, This includes names like Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia, The court has also expressed deep displeasure over the insult to the disabled, The judges said that freedom of expression does not mean arbitrariness, For this an autonomous regulatory body is needed,
Aadhaar verification suggested to stop obscenity
- Need for an autonomous organization to control content
The court has advocated an independent institution for regulation. CJI said that self-styled institutions are not enough. To handle the situation, an organization free from external influence is needed. The court asked what would happen if everything was allowed. It is very important to create balance in the society.
However, the court also made it clear that it does not want to silence anyone. There should be a balance of fundamental rights. The judges said that we would be the last people to suggest regulations. But when the industry itself is not doing anything then problems are arising. The court asked why such incidents are happening again and again.
Chief Justice Surya Kant made this suggestion during the hearing on Thursday. (File Photo: PTI)
Court’s strict comment on making fun of disabled people
- During the hearing, the case of Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahabadia also came up. Ranveer had allegedly made obscene remarks in a show. At the same time, Raina is accused of making fun of the disabled. Why SMA India Foundation has filed a petition against Raina. It is alleged that he made insensitive remarks on the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. The court expressed strong displeasure on this.
- CJI questioned Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. He asked why there is no strict law against insulting the disabled. This law should be on the lines of SC-ST Act. Mehta also agreed that jokes cannot be at the cost of dignity.
- Justice Bagchi also raised the issue of anti-national content. He asked whether self-regulation would be able to stop such content. Many times the content disturbs the structure of the society. By the time the government responds it is too late. Videos go viral and millions of people watch them. Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued on this. He said that the term ‘anti-national’ is very vague. Would writing on the history of the border dispute also be anti-national?
- Justice Bagchi gave clarification on this. He said that we are talking about regulated rights. No government official can decide this. But if the content hurts the unity and integrity of the country then we have to think.
Government’s concern over user generated content
Solicitor General Mehta raised the issue of user generated content. He said that no one can do anything under the guise of free speech. The CJI agreed to this. He said that it is strange that someone should create his own channel. And then keep doing anything without any accountability. Protecting free speech is important but there are limits. If a show has adult content, there should be an advance warning. Also, parental control is also important. Attorney General R Venkataramani said that the ministry is going to hold a meeting on this. If there is a need for change in any law, it will be done.
- There will be discussion between the government and stakeholders
The court suggested that nothing should be done in haste. There should be a process of discussion. The proposal should be placed in the public domain. Venkataramani said that we will talk to everyone. No one will be allowed to come into discussion like this. Mehta said that the government is considering this. They will give information after a week. The court also said that the impacts sometimes outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to build a responsible society. When society is responsible then problems will solve themselves.
- Advice given to comedian to raise funds
In the case of disabled people, the court has given an advice to the comedian. The court said that they should raise funds for the treatment of the disabled. For this they should organize programs. At the time, Raina’s lawyer said that he had donated the money. On this the court said that he does not want money. We should respect their self-respect. The court suggested that a dedicated fund be created. Comedians organize events twice a month. The money collected from this will help in treatment.
The court said that we hope that these people will show honesty. They should invite the disabled on their platform. Show their achievements to the world. This will send a good message. The next hearing of the case will be after four weeks.
