Supreme Court to Examine Controversial Data Protection Act Provisions

The Supreme Court will examine pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, citing concerns over its impact on the Right to Information. Amendments in question allegedly favor privacy over transparency, challenging the disclosure of personal information in public interest contexts.

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a series of pleas disputing the constitutionality of certain provisions within the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. This move arises from contentious debates on how these provisions impact fundamental rights, such as the Right to Information versus the Right to Privacy.

Despite requests, the court has declined to impose an interim stay, highlighting the need to consider the broader framework introduced by Parliament. The case involves intricate, sensitive issues that seek to balance competing interests. Currently, the legislation is considered to excessively prioritize privacy over transparency.

Petitions from journalistic and transparency advocacy groups argue that the legislation hampers the public interest by restricting access to critical information that previously helped uncover corruption and other governmental improprieties. The issue is slated for a hearing in March, aiming for a careful evaluation of these legal challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)