High Court Orders Immediate Disclosure of Government Content-Blocking Notices

Chandigarh, October 20, 2026: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed authorities to provide social media users with copies of government notices seeking the blocking of their content immediately after the notices are issued to online platforms, ruling that disclosure is essential to ensure a fair opportunity to challenge such action.

Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya issued the direction while quashing a notice that led to the blocking of a Facebook page operated by Haryana 24 News Network Private Limited. The court also ordered the authorities to restore the page to its original status within 24 hours of receiving a certified copy of the order.

The company had challenged the blocking of its Facebook page in India on August 21, 2026, following a communication sent by Haryana Police to Meta Platforms under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. It argued that it had neither received prior notice nor been given a copy of the communication explaining the action.

The state government contended that a director of the company was accused in a criminal case and had allegedly used the page to post videos and send messages intended to intimidate the victim and witnesses. The Superintendent of Police, Yamuna Nagar, had consequently directed Meta to disable access to the page.

However, the High Court found that the communication had been issued by an officer below the rank prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The rules require such communications to be issued by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police who has been specifically authorised by the government.

Holding that the communication was issued without jurisdiction, the court set it aside.

The court also ruled that the 2021 Rules must be interpreted to require the affected user to receive a copy of the blocking communication immediately after it is sent to the intermediary, even though the rules do not expressly provide for such disclosure.

Without access to the grounds for blocking, the court observed, users would be unable to effectively challenge the decision. It rejected the state’s argument that the company should instead pursue the matter through Meta’s grievance redressal mechanism.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment in Madhyamam Broadcasting Ltd. v. Union of India, the High Court reiterated the importance of a fair hearing and protection against bias as principles of natural justice.

The court directed that any future communication seeking content blocking, issued by a duly authorised officer to an intermediary, must be furnished to the affected user immediately after it is sent. It subsequently disposed of the petition.

Source: Live Law