The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre to immediately frame a memorandum on Google, Microsoft and Yahoo showing content on sex determination on its websites. It also instructed the government to hold a meeting with representatives of the search engine giants and petitioners in the case next week, ANI reported.
The apex court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by a member of the National Inspection and Monitoring Committee, Sabu Mathew George, who has sought court intervention in the matter. George asked the government to take action against Google, Microsoft and Yahoo for hosting advertisements of tools, kits and clinics to help determine the sex of a foetus. Prenatal sex determination is illegal in India.
“Can these search engines continue to violate the law? Is there nothing that can be done to completely stop them? Google, Microsoft, Yahoo can’t continue doing the illegal activity in the name of being an intermediary,” the Supreme Court observed, scheduling the next hearing in the matter for July 25.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!