In September 2025, the Karnataka high court delivered a judgment that could redefine how India governs its digital space. In X Corp versus Union of India, the court upheld the Union government’s Sahyog portal, an online system that allows central and state authorities, including police officers, to issue content-removal directions under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Intermediary Guidelines, 2021. https://thewire.in/tech/indias-digital-paradox-when-both-copyright-and-free-speech-lose
The court rejected X Corp’s argument that Sahyog circumvents Section 69A of the Act, which regulates blocking orders and prescribes safeguards such as written reasons, notice, and review. Calling Sahyog merely a “facilitation mechanism,” the high court judges held that it only streamlines communication between the government and online platforms
X Corp has announced plans to appeal, warning that the ruling empowers “millions of officers” to demand takedowns without oversight, enabling arbitrary censorship. The decision has revived a broader debate about the design of India’s takedown regimes. While Sahyog expands executive power to suppress speech, the other major takedown system meant to protect artists from copyright infringement remains largely ineffective. One framework is too weak to protect creators while the other is too strong to protect citizens.
12/11/2025