Supreme Court Orders Meta to Restore AAP Gujarat Wing Social Media Accounts

• The Supreme Court ordered Meta to restore the social media accounts of AAP's Gujarat wing.
• The blocking of the accounts was done under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, at the request of a government or law enforcement agency.
• AAP alleges that it was never supplied with the blocking direction and that the accounts were blocked without notice, hearing, or a reasoned order.
• The Supreme Court's order may set a new standard for government requests to restrict social media content in India.

However, AAP alleges that it was never supplied with the blocking direction and that the accounts were blocked without notice, hearing, or a reasoned order.

The Supreme Court has ordered Meta to restore the social media accounts of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Gujarat wing, which were blocked shortly before local body elections in the state. The blocking of the accounts was done under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, at the request of a government or law enforcement agency. However, AAP alleges that it was never supplied with the blocking direction and that the accounts were blocked without notice, hearing, or a reasoned order.

The blocking of social media accounts under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, has been a contentious issue in India. The section allows intermediaries like Meta to block access to content at the request of a government or law enforcement agency. However, AAP's plea argues that this provision is being misused to restrict political speech and violate principles of natural justice and proportionality. According to the party, blocking an entire Facebook page and Instagram handle is disproportionate and amounts to censorship.

The Supreme Court's order may set a new standard for government requests to restrict social media content in India. Lawyers representing political parties should take note of this precedent, which highlights the need for notice and hearing before blocking social media accounts. The case also underscores the importance of proportionality principles in regulating online speech. As the Indian government continues to grapple with issues related to online content regulation, this ruling may have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and political communication.

Lawyers representing political parties in India should watch for this precedent, which may set a new standard for government requests to restrict social media content and the need for notice and hearing.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu