Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Blocking of 4PM News YouTube Channel

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the blocking of the 4PM News YouTube channel on the grounds of "national security" and "public order". 

The petition, filed by journalist Sanjay Sharma, contends that the channel was blocked without prior notice or a formal order, violating Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. 

The plea also challenges IT Rules 8, 9, and 16 for permitting content removal or blocking without notice or hearing.

The Court asked the Centre and YouTube to respond within two weeks. The plea calls the blocking a “chilling assault” on press freedom and journalistic independence. Next hearing on May 19.