This week in Indian law: The Delhi High Court upheld the right to be forgotten as an integral part of Article 21 digital privacy rights. The new coalition government continued cabinet formation. Courts remained on summer vacation with reduced activity. Three significant developments in a transitional week.
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Delhi HC Upholds Right to Be Forgotten as Part of Article 21
Category: technology-law | Date: 10 June 2024 | Source: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court upheld the right to be forgotten as an integral component of the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution, directing the removal of personal information from search engine results in a case involving an individual whose acquittal in a criminal matter was not reflected in prominent search results. The Court held that the continued availability of crime-related search results, despite acquittal, violated the petitioner's dignity and right to privacy.
Why it matters: This ruling arrives at a critical juncture — after the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 has been passed but before the DPDP Rules have been notified. Technology law practitioners should note that the right to be forgotten now has judicial recognition independent of the DPDP Act. Platforms and search engines must develop processes for evaluating de-listing requests, particularly in cases involving acquitted individuals.
Read more: Veritect analysis
Legislative and policy developments
New Government Cabinet Formation and Transition
Date: Week of 10 June 2024
The new NDA coalition government continued the process of cabinet formation and portfolio allocation. Ministry officials began transitioning to the new administration's priorities. The governance machinery shift is particularly significant for the Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Corporate Affairs, whose priorities and pace of reform will directly affect the legal and regulatory landscape.
Key point: The coalition dynamics mean that policy priorities may differ from those anticipated under a single-party majority government. Practitioners should watch for signals on legislative agenda priorities through the upcoming President's address and first session of the 18th Lok Sabha.
Also this week
- Supreme Court on vacation — Vacation bench hearing urgent matters only. Full court operations will resume in July.
- High Courts reduced benches — Most High Courts operating with vacation-period reduced bench strength. Routine matters adjourned.
- Tribunals continue — NCLT, NCLAT, SAT, and other tribunals maintain normal operations through the summer.
Looking ahead
- 18th Lok Sabha first session: Expected to commence 24 June with the Speaker election.
- President's address: Will outline the new government's legislative agenda.
- MCA MSME payment norms: Revised disclosure rules expected to take effect.
- SC resumes: Full court operations expected to resume in July after summer vacation.
This is the Veritect Weekly Legal Roundup for Week 24 of 2024. For daily updates, visit our legal news page. Subscribe to receive this roundup every Monday morning.
Veritect provides this content for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.