National: courts and policy
Internet as a fundamental right, bank liability in cyber fraud, and cheaper cancer drugs
Internet access is a fundamental right
On 17 October the Supreme Court held that access to and use of the internet is a fundamental right of every person, children included, under Article 21 (life and personal liberty) and Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression). It rejected a blanket social media ban for children and suggested a parent-approved 'child mode'. Platforms must remove objectionable content involving children within 2 hours.
Digital arrest: banks must pay if they slip
On 29 October the Court said the RBI's new KYC rules must make banks compensate victims of digital arrest or cyber fraud caused by the bank's own lapse, at least to the extent of the money lost. The rules are to be notified by 30 November and enforced by 31 December.
Travel insurance on counter tickets
Following a Supreme Court order, railway tickets bought at station counters carry the same travel insurance as online tickets from 27 October. The Railway Board is responsible for implementing it.
Health: two big decisions
- NPPA capped the trade margin on 137 anti-cancer drugs at 30%; prices may fall by up to 70% from 9 November.
- FSSAI issued a draft to ban sucrose and fructose in food for infants up to 6 months; comments are open for 60 days.
