HC rejects Twitter's petition vs Centre

A petition filed by the social networking platform Twitter challenging the Union government's order to block various accounts in February 2021 and 2022 was rejected by the Karnataka high court on Friday.

- Priyanka Gawande

While doing so, Justice Krishna S. Dixit imposed a penalty of 150 lakh on Twitter, stating that it did not give reasons for not complying with the government's order for blocking in a timely manner.

Justice Dixit was persuaded by the government's assertion that it not only has the power to block tweets but it can also block accounts.

The fine must be paid to the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority within 45 days, the court said in its oral order on Friday. While it also clarified that 15,000 would have to be paid for every day that the payment is delayed.

On 21 April, the high court had reserved its verdict in the matter after hearing both parties in detail.