Karnataka High Court admits appeal of X against single judge order on Centre’s blocking orders

In the previous proceedings, noting that X had a prima facie case, the bench directed the government to consider its suggestion that the matter be referred back to the secretary of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The division bench on Wednesday requested the Centre to speak to the assistant solicitor general on the matter. The bench also considered that the Rs 50 lakh fine might also have to be examined without any provision providing for it. The current appeal was admitted on Wednesday after the ministry did not reconsider the orders.

The court noted that the question was one of whether communication of blocking orders was to be communicated, in the light of the fact that as per Supreme Court precedent, the order was open to be challenged.

“The requirement of recording the reasons for the blocking had already been established in the previous court order. Once it is subject to judicial review, once his civil rights are impinged, communication of written order is required,” the Bench observed.

The matter is set for further hearing on November 9.

X Corp had challenged a series of blocking orders issued by the central government between February 2, 2021, and February 28, 2022.