If you don't like India, please don’t work in India : Delhi HC

Delhi HC slams Wikipedia for not complying with the order
HC also warned to block Wikipedia

New Delhi – The Delhi High Court has issued a stern warning to the website Wikipedia, stating that a ban could be imposed on it in India for contempt of Court. The Court sharply remarked, ‘If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India’. The Court’s response comes in relation to a defamation lawsuit filed by the Indian news agency ANI against Wikipedia, seeking ₹2 crore in damages. The Court warned Wikipedia after the latter failed to comply with the Court’s previous orders.

1. During a hearing on 5th September, the Court asked why its orders had not been followed. In response, Wikipedia’s lawyer claimed that there were some points related to the Court’s orders that needed to be presented, which took time since Wikipedia does not have a base in India.

2. Expressing displeasure, the Court indicated it would file a contempt charge. The Court emphasised that whether Wikipedia has a base in India or not is irrelevant; the important issue is why the Court’s orders were not obeyed. The Court further remarked that they could halt Wikipedia’s business transactions in India and ask the Government to block Wikipedia. The Court added, ‘Earlier also you people have taken the same position. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India’.

What is the case about ?

Some users had edited ANI’s page on Wikipedia, publishing objectionable information. The edited content claimed that ‘ANI is used as a propaganda tool by the current Government’, prompting ANI to file a complaint. The Court had ordered Wikipedia to provide details of the three users who made the edits, but Wikipedia did not comply, leading ANI to return to the High Court, accusing Wikipedia of contempt.

Editorial Perspective

Foreign websites like Wikipedia, which do not comply with the orders of Indian Courts, should be banned. These platforms often publish content that disrespects India and the Hindu Dharma.