The Supreme Court has directed the Indian government to draft guidelines aimed at regulating social media conduct, including podcasts and online comedy. This action comes after a series of complaints against comedians who made offensive remarks about people with disabilities. The court has mandated that the guidelines must be developed in consultation with the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA), aiming to balance freedom of expression with the fundamental right to dignity, under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The guidelines should be forward-thinking, and protect the rights of all citizens. The court emphasized the potential impact of insensitive content on society and stressed the need for responsible content creation, particularly in light of India’s cultural diversity. The Attorney General of India has confirmed the intention to submit the draft guidelines to the court, with the next hearing scheduled for November.
