New Delhi, May 5: The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to a petition filed by journalist Sanjay Sharma, challenging the blocking of his YouTube channel 4 PM News on the grounds of national security and public order.
A bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai sought a response from the Centre within two weeks. However, following a request for urgency by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of Sharma, the court agreed to list the matter for hearing next week.
Sharma, the editor-in-chief of 4PM News, has contended in his plea that the government’s action was unconstitutional and arbitrary. The petition alleges that the channel was blocked without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard, thereby violating principles of natural justice.
During the hearing, Sibal argued that the blocking of the channel infringes upon Sharma’s fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. He further submitted that Sharma had not received a formal blocking order and remains unaware of the specific allegations against him.
The plea also questions the validity of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, under which the channel was reportedly blocked.
