Karnataka HC Upholds Govt’s Power to Block Content on Social Media, Dismisses X Corp Challenge

The Karnataka High Court rejected X Corp's plea seeking a declaration that Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act does not empower Central government officers to issue information-blocking orders without following Section 69A procedures.

Justice M Nagaprassana emphasised that social media regulation is essential to preserving liberty and order, especially in cases involving offences against women.

The Court upheld the constitutionality of the Sahyog Portal, noting that X Corp, though regulated in the US, must comply with Indian laws.

The Court also clarified that the 2021 IT Rules, not the 2011 Shreya Singhal framework, govern such regulatory powers.