Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre Over Privacy Law, Media Body Warns of Newsroom Shutdowns

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre on a petition filed by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), challenging provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. The association has argued that the framework does not provide a specific exemption for journalistic activities and could adversely affect press freedom and investigative reporting.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, also issued notice on an application seeking an interim stay on the challenged provisions. The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 17.

During the hearing, senior advocate Madhavi Divan, representing the DNPA, argued that the law could make routine news gathering difficult by requiring journalists to obtain consent before processing personal data. She warned that such requirements could obstruct investigative journalism, compromise confidential sources and potentially force newsrooms to shut down.

The association has contended that journalists often need to investigate matters involving corruption, misconduct and other issues of public interest without seeking prior permission from the individuals concerned. It has also raised concerns about provisions allowing requests for deletion of personal data and the potential disclosure of confidential journalistic information.

Chief Justice Surya Kant stressed that a balance must be maintained between citizens’ right to privacy and the media’s freedom to report. He asked the publishers to suggest safeguards that could prevent the misuse of personal data while protecting legitimate journalistic work.

The petition also challenges an amendment to the Right to Information Act, 2005, arguing that it could restrict access to personal information even when disclosure serves the public interest. The association maintains that the absence of a specific journalistic exemption could affect the public’s right to know.

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response to the challenge. The issuance of notice does not amount to a final ruling on the law’s validity, and the matter will be considered further at the next hearing on November 17.