The case revolves around a lawsuit filed by ANI, a major Indian news agency, which took Wikimedia to the Delhi High Court last year over content on Wikipedia. ANI objected to descriptions on the platform suggesting it had been criticized as a government "propaganda tool" and demanded their removal.
On Thursday, the court ruled in ANI’s favor, stating that the content in question was defamatory and harmed the agency’s professional reputation. As a result, Wikimedia has been instructed to delete the offending statements. The foundation has yet to comment on whether it will comply or challenge the ruling.
ANI is also seeking 20 million rupees (about $240,000) in damages and a formal apology from Wikimedia. The legal battle is ongoing, with the court set to hear further arguments in the case.
According to ANI’s lawyer, Sidhant Kumar, the ruling underscores the importance of protecting individuals and organizations from reputational harm. However, Wikimedia has raised concerns about the broader implications for free speech, warning that the case could set a precedent for content restrictions in India.
This is not the first time Wikimedia has clashed with Indian courts over content moderation. In October, the court ordered the removal of a Wikipedia page related to the case, citing interference in legal proceedings. Wikimedia challenged that order in India’s Supreme Court in January, arguing that selective and permanent takedowns could have a chilling effect on free speech and restrict public access to information.
India has seen increasing scrutiny of online platforms, with tech companies facing legal challenges over content deemed objectionable by authorities. X, formerly known as Twitter, is also contesting government orders to block posts related to the 2021 farmers’ protests.
The outcome of the Wikimedia case could have significant implications for how online platforms navigate India’s evolving legal landscape on content regulation and freedom of expression.