DELHI HC DIRECTED GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE LAWS TO REGULATE YOUTOUBERS

DELHI HC DIRECTED GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE LAWS TO REGULATE YOUTOUBERS

19-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Expressing concern over the conduct of YouTubers, the Delhi High Court has directed the government to formulate laws to regulate them. The Court observed that today, anyone with a mobile phone declares themselves a journalist, despite lacking journalistic training, an ethical foundation, or any form of accountability. The High Court noted that self-styled reporters often question people aggressively while covering stories and present facts in a manner that can create a misleading atmosphere. The Court warned that selective reporting, sensationalism, and the publication of unverified allegations can exacerbate social divisions, trigger communal tension, and disrupt law and order.

Expressing concern over the irresponsible and misleading journalism of 'self-styled reporters' (YouTubers/content creators), the Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government to establish a new legal framework for digital media. The Court stated that while freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, it cannot be used as a 'shield' for intimidation and sensationalism. Justice Girish Kathpalia made these observations while hearing the bail pleas of two accused individuals in a case related to an incident in Seelampur. The Court remarked that nowadays, anyone wielding a mobile phone and a microphone declares themselves a reporter, despite having neither journalistic training nor accountability. Selective reporting, aggressive questioning, and making unverified allegations can fuel social division and communal tension.

Expressing concern regarding YouTubers, the Delhi High Court directed the government to enact laws to regulate such individuals. The Court observed that today, anyone with a mobile phone declares themselves a journalist—despite lacking journalistic training, an ethical foundation, or any accountability—a practice that often leads to social division. The High Court observed that self-styled reporters often question people aggressively while gathering news and present facts in a manner that can create a misleading atmosphere. The court warned that selective reporting, sensationalism, and the publication of unverified allegations can exacerbate social divisions, trigger communal tension, and disrupt law and order.

The court stated that freedom of the press is a vital pillar of democracy and must be fully protected; however, it cannot serve as a shield for irresponsible journalism, intimidation, or the dissemination of content that undermines public order.

The court’s concern, though belated, is well-founded. The government should enact legislation or, at the very least, issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandating that journalism be practiced only by individuals who have completed a formal course in the field. The profession should be regulated similarly to the legal profession, where one cannot practice law without a law degree.