Government slams X for 'censorship portal' claim, defends 'Sahyog' in court

North Block

The Centre has strongly objected to Elon Musk-owned X Corp's characterisation of the 'Sahyog' portal as a "censorship portal", filing an objection in the Karnataka High Court. The Centre argued that X had misinterpreted key provisions of the IT Act, particularly the distinctions between Section 69A and Section 79(3)(b)
X Corp contends that Section 79(3)(b) does not empower the government to issue blocking orders, as that authority lies exclusively under Section 69A.
The government said that the platform is a “facilitative mechanism” designed to streamline coordination between intermediaries and law enforcement agencies. The Centre argued that while Section 69A allows authorities to issue blocking orders, Section 79(3)(b) requires digital intermediaries to fulfill their obligations upon receiving notices/ The submission came in the HC, which was hearing a petition filed by X challenging the government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to take down and block content

Dismissing X's allegations, the Centre asserted that the platform's use of terms like "censorship portal" and "blocking order" is misleading and legally incorrect.

The Centre reportedly submitted that the petitioner is conveniently silent about the intermediaries' obligations which are enumerated in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 specifically w.r.t. Rule 3(1)(d) of the said Rules in connection with Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000, the Centre pointed out.

Defending the legal framework, the Centre argued that Section 79(3)(b) balances platform liability and free speech while ensuring compliance with lawful orders.

In contrast, Section 69A empowers the government to block access to online content under specific conditions related to national security, public order, and sovereignty.