**X Corp Challenges Content Takedown Orders in Karnataka High Court**
X Corp has raised concerns in the Karnataka High Court regarding the actions of Union government officers, claiming they acted on their “whims and fancies” during a hearing related to the company’s challenge against multiple content takedown orders and the Centre’s requirement to use the Sahyog portal. Senior Advocate KG Raghavan, representing X Corp, argued that the Sahyog portal grants individual government officers the authority to issue blocking directions under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, without any institutional safeguards.
Raghavan highlighted the differences between Section 79 and Section 69A of the IT Act, noting that while Section 69A mandates a committee process for decision-making, Section 79 allows a single officer to issue takedown orders arbitrarily. He drew a comparison to Section 501 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which requires judicial oversight for the destruction of offensive material, emphasizing that decisions made by executive officers without quasi-judicial powers are inherently arbitrary.
Justice Nagaprasanna, who is presiding over the case, commented on the unique nature of the internet, stating that its content is more persistent and accessible than traditional media. He noted, “The internet never forgets,” underscoring the necessity of removing unlawful or offensive content.
However, Raghavan questioned the validity of exercising such powers without judicial oversight, arguing that the subjective interpretation of what constitutes “offensive” content can lead to inconsistencies. He posed the critical question of whether Union officers should have the discretion to determine the legality of posts based solely on their individual interpretations.
In defense of the current framework, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that intermediaries benefit from special exemptions under Section 79(1) of the IT Act but still have an obligation to comply with takedown requests. The arguments presented by X Corp are set to continue on July 11, as the case unfolds in the Karnataka High Court.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the main issue X Corp is challenging in the Karnataka High Court?**
A: X Corp is challenging multiple content takedown orders and the requirement to use the Sahyog portal, arguing that it allows arbitrary actions by government officers without proper oversight.
