Karnataka High Court Rejects X Corp’s Plea, Says Social Media Cannot Run Without Rules 
Bengaluru, September 24, 2025. The Karnataka High Court has rejected a petition from X Corp (formerly Twitter Inc.) regarding the blocking and takedown orders from the Central and State governments. The court stated that social media platforms cannot operate in chaotic freedom and must obey the law.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna delivered the ruling and emphasized that regulating online content is common worldwide. “Every sovereign nation regulates it. The United States does it. India cannot be considered unlawful for doing the same,” the judge noted.
Freedom with Responsibility
The court highlighted that while social media serves as a modern platform for ideas, it also poses risks of misuse. Regulation is necessary when it comes to issues like crimes against women and protecting citizens’ dignity.
“We are a society governed by laws. Order is essential for democracy. Liberty is tied to responsibility, and access to these platforms comes with accountability,” the court said.
Why X Corp Went to Court
X Corp argued that the blocking and takedown notices violated Supreme Court guidelines. The company also criticized the government’s new Sahyog portal, describing it as a “censorship tool” that allows even local police to issue removal orders using a standard template.
Centre’s Stand
The Union government rejected these claims, stating that X Corp was trying to mislead the court. It clarified that blocking orders can only be issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, not under Section 79 as claimed by X Corp.
According to the Centre, Section 79 provides a structured framework that balances the interests of creators, intermediaries, users, and the State. The government also dismissed X Corp’s argument about “template blocking orders,” asserting that all notices sent were simple takedown requests, not blocking directives.
