Wikimedia Challenges Delhi Court’s Order Over ANI Wikipedia Page
The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, is appealing a Delhi High Court order that directed the removal of certain statements from the Wikipedia page of Indian news agency ANI. These statements were considered defamatory by the court following a lawsuit filed by ANI last year.
Dispute Over Defamatory Content
ANI had objected to parts of its Wikipedia entry, particularly content describing the agency as facing criticism for being a government “propaganda tool.” In response, ANI filed a legal suit seeking to have the material removed.
Last week, the Delhi High Court ruled in ANI’s favour, ordering Wikipedia to take down the disputed content. In turn, Wikimedia has moved to challenge this decision. According to two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter, the appeal was filed with a larger bench of the same court. The sources requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak publicly.
Wikimedia has yet to comment officially on the appeal or the ongoing legal proceedings.
Tech Platforms Face Growing Legal Scrutiny in India
Wikimedia’s legal challenge highlights growing tensions between global tech platforms and Indian authorities over content regulation. In recent years, platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) have also faced legal orders requiring content removal.
X is currently contesting government directives that sought to block several posts related to the 2021 farmers’ protests in India.
The Wikimedia case marks the second time a major US-based digital platform has been drawn into legal battles over content takedown in India’s courts.
Reuters, which owns a 26% stake in ANI, has clarified it does not influence ANI’s editorial decisions or business operations.
As the legal process continues, the case could have wider implications for how international platforms handle local content disputes in India.
with inputs from Reuters