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The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs on a plea filed by journalist Sanjay Sharma challenging the blocking of his channel "4PM News" on grounds of national security and public order.
A bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai issued notice to the respondent authorities and initially ordered them to file a response within two weeks of time. However, when Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Sharma, sought an urgent hearing in the matter, the bench listed the matter to be heard next week. The plea filed by Sharma, the editor-in-chief of "4PM News", challenged the blocking of his channel by contending that it's unconstitutional and arbitrary. The plea further states that the government blocked his YouTube channel without serving Sharma any prior notice or offering a chance of hearing. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Sharma and argued that the blocking of his channel shall be removed, as the same is unconstitutional. He further stated that his client never even received a blocking order and is unaware of the allegations against him. Sharma's plea states that the blocking of his channel violates his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression provided under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. Further, the plea also challenges the legality of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules (IT Rules) 2009. (ANI)
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