The Delhi High Court has sought replies from the LG and Centre on a plea challenging the LG’s order allowing police to issue takedown notices. The next hearing is set for September 17.
New Delhi: Today, On May 29, The Delhi High Court has asked the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the Central Government to respond to a legal petition that questions a recent notification.
This notification, issued by the LG, gives powers to the Delhi Police to ask for removal or takedown of content from social media platforms.
The case was heard by a division bench made up of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
During the hearing, the court issued a notice to the office of the Lieutenant Governor and to the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The court has asked them to file their official replies within a period of six weeks.
This legal case has been filed as a public interest litigation (PIL), where the petitioner has challenged the legality and constitutional validity of the notification that allows the police to take action on online content.
The petitioner is concerned that this move gives too much power to the police and could lead to misuse, censorship, and violation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
ALSO READ: EXPLAINER | Is It Legal to Monitor Someone Else’s Social Media?
The next hearing of this matter has been scheduled by the Delhi High Court for September 17.
In this context, the court’s notice and the upcoming legal developments are expected to have a major impact on how digital content and free speech on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others are monitored and regulated by authorities in the national capital.
The court’s decision to seek responses from the LG and the Central Government highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need to examine whether such notifications comply with existing legal frameworks and constitutional values.
The entire case will revolve around the legal limits of executive powers, especially concerning digital freedom, law enforcement authority, and the role of oversight in democratic governance.
The bench made it clear that all parties involved must respond properly within the six-week deadline so that the court can take an informed view during the next hearing.
Case Title:
Software Freedom Law Centre, India v State of NCT of Delhi & Ors
Click Here to Read More Reports On Social Media
