NEW DELHI, India — A coalition of 21 major Indian news publishers has asked the Supreme Court of India to invalidate parts of the country’s new digital privacy law, arguing that the provisions could obstruct investigative reporting, force the removal of factual stories and expose confidential sources.
The Supreme Court’s cause list names the Digital News Publishers Association in a matter set for Tuesday, October 27. Reuters reported Monday that the association filed the challenge October 6 and that its members include Network18, NDTV, the Indian Express and Times Internet.
The publishers contend that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act could require a journalist to notify an investigation subject and obtain consent before processing personal information. They also argue that the law’s consent-withdrawal and erasure provisions could be used to demand the removal or redaction of legitimate reporting, while a government power to require information from organizations could put reporters’ sources at risk.
Those are claims in pending litigation, not findings by the court. The coalition’s filing has not been made public; Reuters said it reviewed the confidential document. The Indian information technology ministry did not respond to Reuters, while the government has previously said it respects press freedom.
The official text of the 2023 law establishes consent requirements, a right to correction and erasure, and authority for the central government to require information. A November 2025 government notification placed many of the disputed provisions on an 18-month implementation schedule, bringing them into force in May 2027.
The court has not ruled on the publishers’ request. Tuesday’s hearing could clarify whether the challenge will proceed and whether the government will be required to answer the press-freedom claims.