Is the Delhi Court Order on Adani a Threat to Press Freedom?
Guild slams censorship of journalists, content creators.
The Editors Guild of India has raised alarm over a Delhi court order compelling YouTubers and journalists to remove content deemed "unverified and defamatory" about Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), labeling the move as a troubling step toward censorship. The order, which restricts nine journalists, activists, and entities from publishing or sharing such content, mandates its removal within five days, sparking widespread concern about press freedom.
In a statement issued on September 18, 2025, the Guild expressed deep unease about the court’s directive, which allows AEL to flag URLs and links it considers defamatory to intermediaries or government agencies, who must then delete the content within 36 hours.
The Guild called this extension of corporate power "disturbing," arguing it grants a private entity unchecked authority to suppress critical voices. Compounding the issue, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued notices to platforms like YouTube and Instagram, ordering the removal of 138 links and 83 posts, respectively.
The Guild warned that combining corporate influence with executive action risks undermining democracy’s foundation—a free and fearless press. “Such blanket powers granted to a corporate entity, coupled with ministerial takedown orders, are a step toward censorship,” the statement read, emphasizing that silencing uncomfortable voices threatens the public’s right to know.
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Prominent YouTuber Akash Banerjee, known for his channel Deshbhakt, revealed that he and other independent creators were given just 36 hours to remove over 200 pieces of content without any chance to contest the order. The lack of due process has fueled outrage among content creators, who see the move as an attempt to stifle independent journalism and satire.
As debates over media freedom intensify, the Guild’s statement underscores the need to protect journalistic integrity and public discourse. The controversy surrounding AEL’s legal actions has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in how content takedown orders are issued, with fears that such measures could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in India.
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