Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Sexually Explicit Content on OTT, Social Media
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Sexually Explicit Content on OTT, Social Media
The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over sexually explicit content on OTT platforms and social media, urging the government to take action.
On Monday, a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih issued a notice to the Centre and other parties in response to a plea seeking measures to regulate such content. While acknowledging the importance of the issue, the court emphasized that regulating digital content primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the executive and legislature.
“We are already facing allegations of encroaching upon legislative and executive powers,” remarked Justice Gavai during the proceedings.
The bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to examine the matter and consider suitable action.
The petition, filed by five individuals and argued by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, demands:
- A ban on the streaming of sexually explicit material on OTT and social media platforms.
- The establishment of a National Content Control Authority to monitor and regulate online content.
The court clarified that while it can express concerns, the responsibility to enact regulations or laws lies with the government and Parliament.
The case will be taken up again after responses from the Centre and other concerned parties are submitted.
