Twenty-one Indian news media organizations—including outlets owned by billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani—have challenged the Narendra Modi government’s privacy law in court.

They contend that the legislation threatens investigative journalism and could allow authorities to uncover journalists' confidential sources.

Enacted by the Modi administration last year under the premise of protecting users' digital personal data, the law imposes new compliance obligations on technology giants like Meta and Google.

However, media organizations argue that the absence of explicit exemptions for journalists poses a severe threat to press freedom.

In a confidential filing with the Supreme Court, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) stated that despite verbal assurances from the government during an August meeting regarding press protections, no written exemptions were granted for journalists.

Similar media protections currently exist in jurisdictions such as the European Union, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

The petition, filed on October 6, is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday. It marks the most high-profile legal challenge to the Modi government's privacy legislation to date, following earlier petitions filed by free speech advocates and smaller media outlets.

The legal action taken by media firms associated with Ambani and Adani represents a rare corporate challenge to the Modi government.

Opposition parties have long alleged that the two tycoons maintain close ties with PM Modi and receive favorable treatment, charges that both business groups and the government have consistently denied.

Media outlets are seeking the annulment of key controversial provisions set to take effect in May 2027.

They express concern that journalists might be required to obtain prior consent from individuals before initiating an investigation into them.

Furthermore, if an individual withdraws consent and requests the deletion of their personal data, media entities could be forced to retract published reports or expunge critical information.

In its 698-page document, the DNPA warned that the law could functionally cripple investigative journalism, stating that several provisions are anti-democratic and create opportunities for pre-publication censorship.

Concerns Over Mandatory Consent
The DNPA’s membership includes Ambani’s Network18, Adani’s NDTV, The Indian Express, and Times Internet of the Times of India group.

The organization fears that notifying individuals and seeking consent prior to an investigation could allow subjects to destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses.

Furthermore, allowing individuals to demand data deletion by revoking consent could force the removal of truthful, public-interest reporting.

Risk of Source Exposure
Under the legislation, a central regulatory body is empowered to fine non-compliant news organizations.

Additionally, the government reserves the right to request information or block access to data on grounds of public interest.

Media entities argue these powers severely restrict freedom of expression.

In an August letter submitted alongside the court petition, the DNPA alleged that while the Indian government granted broad exemptions to state agencies, it failed to provide equivalent protections for the press.

The organization expressed concern that starting next year, the government could order any data-handling entity to surrender information, thereby jeopardizing the confidentiality of journalists' sources.

This risk could also deter whistleblowers seeking to expose corruption, corporate wrongdoing, or electoral malpractices.

Critics contend that press freedom in India has steadily declined since PM Modi assumed power in 2014. In this year's World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, India ranked 157th out of 180 countries, down from 140th in 2014.

The Indian government has rejected the rankings, asserting that the country maintains a vibrant and diverse media environment that requires no foreign endorsement.
Source: Reuters