The Supreme Court of India was informed on Tuesday that the Central Government has withdrawn its earlier order blocking the YouTube news channel ‘4 PM’, which had been taken down over alleged violations of the Information Technology Rules.
The development came during the hearing of a petition filed by the channel’s founder, challenging the blocking of the platform under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Court Observation
Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, government counsel submitted that the blocking order had been revoked, making the petition infructuous. Taking note of the submission, the Court disposed of the case.
The channel, known for regional news coverage and commentary, had earlier argued that the blocking order violated the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, as well as principles of natural justice, since no prior notice was allegedly given.
The withdrawal of the order marks a significant instance of judicial oversight and public pushback in the context of digital media regulation and free speech concerns.
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