India's Supreme Court Halts Government's Social Media Fact Check Unit

The court's decision comes amid concerns over censorship and free speech, with the final hearing on the new IT rules set for April 15.

The Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the operation of the Centre's Fact Check Unit, citing concerns over freedom of expression.
The Fact Check Unit, part of the Press Information Bureau, was established to flag and potentially remove misleading social media posts about the government.
Petitioners, including stand-up comic Kunal Kamra and the Editors Guild of India, argue that the new IT rules could lead to censorship and restrict free speech.
The government defends the Fact Check Unit as a measure against fake news, but critics see it as a potential tool for political censorship, especially ahead of elections.
The final hearing on the challenge to the new IT rules is scheduled to begin in the Bombay High Court on April 15.