Govt’s OTT rules have no power for prosecution, says SC in relief for Amazon India Head

By LE Staff

New Delhi, March 5: The Supreme Court on Friday provided protection from arrest to Amazon India head Aparna Purohit, saying the government’s rules on social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms “have no teeth” and thus no power for prosecution.

The apex court was hearing the case concerning the ongoing investigation against the web series ‘Tandav’, that has been accused of allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

“There is no mechanism to control social media platforms. Without legislation you (government) cannot control it,” said a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and RS Reddy while hearing Purohit’s appeal against the Allahabad High Court’s February 25 order declining anticipatory bail to her.

The top court asked the Centre to submit new proposal to court with stronger provisions.

“The government will consider appropriate steps; any regulation on digital platforms will be placed before court,” replied Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The Supreme Court had Thursday said there should be a mechanism to screen video content on OTT platforms, saying “even pornographic material is being shown” on some of them. The top court had also directed the Centre to place before it the recent guidelines of the government to regulate social media platforms.