Today, On 3rd November, The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking a nationwide ban on social media use by children aged 14–18. CJI BR Gavai remarked, “Do you know what happened when Nepal tried such a ban? Anyway, thank you.”
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a nationwide ban on social media use by children between the ages of 14 and 18 years.
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that since the COVID-19 pandemic, children have become increasingly addicted to mobile phones and social media platforms.
He claimed that several countries, including those in Europe, Australia, China, and Arab nations, have already imposed restrictions or bans on social media use by minors.
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The counsel said,
“After COVID, children have become addicted to mobiles. Across the world in Europe, Australia, China, Arab countries it’s banned, but not here.”
However, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai refused to intervene, observing that such policy decisions are within the domain of the government.
Responding to the plea, the CJI remarked,
“Do you know what happened when Nepal tried to impose such a ban? Anyway, thank you.”
The Court thus disposed of the plea without issuing any directions, noting that the matter involved complex policy and social considerations which are best left to the executive.
The petition had argued that social media exposure negatively affects the mental health and concentration levels of children and that parental controls are insufficient to protect minors from online harm.
However, the Supreme Court’s brief but pointed response signalled that it does not view judicial intervention as the appropriate path to regulate social media usage among teenagers.