Online sources such as Wikipedia not completely dependable: SC


PTI, Jan 18, 2023, 12:33 PM IST

New Delhi: Online sources such as Wikipedia are based on a crowd sourced and user ­generated editing model that is not completely dependable and can promote misleading information, the Supreme Court has said.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath said it acknowledged the utility of the platforms that provide free access to knowledge across the globe but also cautioned against using such sources for legal dispute resolution.

“We say so for the reason that these sources, despite being a treasure trove of knowledge, are based on a crowd ­sourced and user ­generated editing model that is not completely dependable in terms of academic veracity and can promote misleading information as has been noted by this court on previous occasions also,” the bench said on Tuesday.

The apex court said courts and adjudicating authorities should endeavour to persuade counsels to rely on more reliable and authentic sources.

The observations came in a judgment in a case regarding the correct classification of imported ‘All in One Integrated Desktop Computer’ under the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.

The top court noted that adjudicating authorities, especially the Commissioner of Customs (Appeal) had extensively referred to online sources such as Wikipedia to support their conclusions.

Interestingly, former apex court judge Justice Markandey Katju had referred to Wikipedia for definition of the term “common law marriage” while delivering a judgment in 2010.

Justice Katju had made information available on Wikipedia the basis for formulating a four-point guideline and ruled that live-in relationships must satisfy it to be categorised as a “relationship” in the nature of marriage under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial

100 engineering colleges in Karnataka to be ‘adopted’ by corporates by next year: IT Minister Kharge

Siddaramaiah defends BPL ration card cancellation, says only ineligible beneficiaries affected

China announces new policy measures to protect its exports from Trump’s new tariff threat

Renovated Medical Oncology OPD and Chemotherapy Day Care Centre inaugurated at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal

Related Articles More

Mumbai terror accused Rana approaches US Supreme Court to challenge extradition to India

Who will be next Maharashtra CM? Mahayuti, MVA constituents drop different names

PM Modi leaves for home after concluding three-nation visit

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kerala HC quashes FIR against Goa Guv over remarks on Sabarimala women entry

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Kundapur: Several injured after insulator truck rams into Innova car on NH-66

Only ineligible BPL cards cancelled: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Fraudsters create fake FB profile misusing Udupi DC’s identity, case filed

Investigation begins into Naxal Encounter; Where did the others escape?

Mumbai terror accused Rana approaches US Supreme Court to challenge extradition to India

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.