The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response to digital news publishers' challenge against the data protection regime. The petition warns that consent rules and RTI changes could impede journalism and source protection.Newdelhi,Oct 27, 2026 12:08 ISTThe Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a petition challenging provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and its rules over claims that they infringe press freedom and the right to information, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The petition, filed by the Digital News Publishers Association, has sought the removal of several provisions as unconstitutional.
It argued that the absence of an exemption for journalistic work could impede news reporting, undermine investigative journalism and compromise the confidentiality of sources.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice after hearing senior advocate Madhavi Divan, who appeared for the association. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17 along with other pending cases.According to PTI, Divan described the plea as possibly the first comprehensive challenge by what she called the “legacy media”, distinguishing traditional news organisations from citizen journalists. “This is perhaps the first comprehensive petition by what we call legacy media.
There has been some debate over citizen journalists. We are the traditional, conventional legacy media,” she said.Divan urged the bench to issue notice on the application seeking an interim stay on the challenged provisions.
She said the law’s consent requirements could make routine news gathering and reporting unworkable, particularly when journalists report on matters involving people who may not consent to the use of their personal data. “If I am left to the mercy of the data principal as to whether he or she will give consent, how will news be reported?” she asked.The senior lawyer said the requirements could have serious implications for television journalism and time-sensitive reporting. “On television, it is live. Otherwise, it has to be new,” she said, adding that the provisions could effectively shut down newsrooms. “What is the point if I have to ask for permission and consent?” she asked.The association has also challenged the amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act.
It alleged that the change restricts access to information about public officials and alters the scope of information available for public scrutiny.“Section 8(1)(j), the deletion, is changing the whole concept of news,” Divan submitted.The petition also raised concerns over the Centre’s powers to seek information under the data protection law. It argued that the provisions could have far-reaching consequences for the functioning of news organisations and their ability to report on matters of public interest.The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response to the challenge concerning the impact of the data protection law and changes to the RTI Act on journalism, source confidentiality and access to public information.
It will hear the matter further on November 17.- Ends