The Delhi High Court has ordered the restoration of the YouTube channel run by digital media platform 4PM, while directing that 26 videos flagged by the Central government be temporarily blocked pending further review.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued the direction in a plea filed by 4PM News Network and its editor-in-chief Sanjay Sharma against the Centre’s decision to block the channel under the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The petitioners moved the Court after YouTube informed them that government authorities had issued blocking instructions against the platform.
According to the petitioners, they were not provided with a copy of the blocking order or the reasons behind the action, making it difficult for them to respond effectively before the authorities. The Union government, however, argued that certain videos uploaded on the channel contained material that could affect national security, sovereignty and public order. It also alleged that some content promoted misleading narratives and conspiracy theories against the country.
While hearing the matter, the Court observed that the channel had uploaded nearly 50,000 videos and only a small number had been identified as problematic. Stressing the need to strike a balance between freedom of expression and national concerns, the Court asked the Inter-Departmental Committee to clearly identify the objectionable videos and provide the petitioners an opportunity to present their explanation.
The Court further directed YouTube to restore access to the channel once the disputed videos are blocked temporarily. It also stated that any future recommendations made by the Committee to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should be shared with the petitioners to ensure transparency in the process.
At the same time, the Court clarified that the government would be free to take action under the law if any future uploads violate legal or regulatory provisions.
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