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3w ago

Supreme Court Challenges Government Over Blocking of 4PM YouTube Channel

Journalist Sanjay Sharma petitions against the channel's ban, citing lack of notice and constitutional violations, as the Court seeks responses from the Centre and YouTube.

The bench, while issuing notice on the plea, said the matter would be heard next week. (Representative file photo)

Overview

  • The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Government of India and YouTube following a petition by journalist Sanjay Sharma challenging the blocking of his 4PM YouTube channel.
  • The channel, known for its investigative journalism, was blocked on April 29, 2025, under claims of 'national security' and 'public order,' without prior notice or explanation to Sharma.
  • The petition argues that the blocking order violates constitutional rights to free speech, equality, and due process, and seeks the quashing of Rule 16 of the IT Blocking Rules, 2009, which allows for opaque takedown orders.
  • Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Sharma, criticized the lack of transparency, stating that no blocking order or reasons were provided, and called for interim relief to restore the channel pending a final decision.
  • The Court has scheduled further hearings for next week but has declined to issue interim relief until the Centre and YouTube present their responses.