In today’s digital era, easy access to knowledge is vital for higher education. Platforms like Sci-Hub and Library Genesis (LibGen) have long helped millions of students and researchers, especially in poorer countries, by providing free access to journals, textbooks, and research articles.
On August 19, 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered a ban on these “shadow libraries” in India after publishers like Elsevier and Wiley filed copyright infringement suits. The court directed internet service providers to block the sites, calling their operations illegal under copyright law. The interim order must be enforced before the next hearing on December 1.
The decision has sparked debate in academic circles. While these platforms breach copyright, they have provided lifelines to students unable to afford journals that often cost $30–50 per article. In public universities, subscription budgets remain weak, leaving research compromised. For many, Sci-Hub and LibGen function like digital public libraries.
Experts argue the solution lies in building legal, open-access alternatives. Strengthening India’s National Digital Library and promoting policies like “One Nation, One Subscription” could ensure equitable access. Without such steps, the digital divide may deepen, weakening research and widening social inequality in education.
