TV Today Vs Newslaundry: Right To Comment And To Publish On Social Media :Part Of Free Speech

• Last year, Tv Today filed a suit against Newslaundry and sought damages of rupees 2 crore from them.
• For “commercially disparaging” its commercial products and for “defaming” it, and its other staff members.
• The defamation case against newslaundry was for an alleged copyright infringement.
• Several videoshad been uploaded by newslaundry on its website including some from Tv Today which were aired.
• The case was due to the allegation that newslaundry had used and reproduced the work of Tv Today which amounts to infringement of the copyright Act of 1957.
• The arguments posed were -
• Hrishikesh Baruah the advocate for Tv Today had argued that Newslaundry had their content used without using a proper critique. He also accused Newslaundry to be a piggyback to their content.He stated that it was a reproduction of their work.
• Senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, representing Newslaundry, had argued with the defence of truth and hence claiming that absolute truth is an absolute defence to defamation. Further that newslaundry had only stated their opinions and views that Tv Today couldn’t take. 
• The Delhi high court on Friday refused India Today interim relief. It refused Newslaundry to take down its videos and content clips. Toprotect satire and the right to comment on tv content are parts of free speech.
• The right to free speech and expression under article 19(1)(a) includes the right to state one’s own ideas, views and opinions with complete freedom even on social media platforms and broadcast the same. To comment on the content of social media is also a facet of article 19. 
• Commenting, stating and expressing views and opinions on social media should be protected and encouraged. It empowers the users to be expressive, creative and talk about their suggestions which is vital for communication and it cannot be waived. 

What do you think about the courts statement on broadcasting opinions? Let us know in the comment section below!