SC Seeks Centre’s Response to DNPA Plea Challenging Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a petition by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) challenging provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and its accompanying rules, arguing that they could undermine press freedom, investigative journalism and the public’s right to information.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice on the petition and scheduled the next hearing for November 17.

The DNPA has sought the striking down of several provisions of the law, contending that the absence of an exemption for journalistic activities could impede news gathering, compromise the confidentiality of sources and restrict reporting on matters of public interest.

Appearing for the association, senior advocate Madhavi Divan urged the court to issue notice on the plea for an interim stay on the contested provisions.

Divan argued that the law’s consent requirements could make routine reporting difficult, particularly when journalists seek to use personal information about individuals who have not consented to its publication.

The DNPA, which represents 21 media outlets, including NDTV and CNN-News18, has also challenged the amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The association contends that the change could restrict access to information about public officials and weaken public scrutiny.

The petition has also questioned the Centre’s powers to requisition information under the DPDP Act, arguing that these provisions could affect news organisations and their ability to investigate and report on issues of public interest.

The Supreme Court will consider the matter further after the Centre responds to the petition.