IIOJK MP Mehdi challenges blocking of Facebook page without prior notice
Delhi court seeks response over restriction of social media account
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the concerned authorities and Meta Platforms on a plea filed by Member of Parliament from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi challenging restrictions imposed on his Facebook account.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the plea came before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma after Mehdi’s counsel submitted that access to his Facebook page had been completely restricted without informing him in advance or specifying the alleged violation that prompted the action.
Appearing for Meta Platforms, the company’s counsel told the court that the page had been taken down pursuant to a notice issued by an India’s law enforcement agency and sought time to place the notice before the court.
Mehdi’s counsel, however, maintained that the petitioner had not been informed about the alleged violation or the specific basis for restricting his account. He also told the court that no particular content on the MP’s Facebook page had been identified as objectionable.
The counsel further argued that Meta was required to follow the grievance redressal mechanism prescribed under India’s Information Technology Rules. He said Mehdi had approached the company’s grievance redressal officer but received no response within the stipulated 24-hour period.
Agha Mehdi has been critical of India’s Modi regime’s policies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and it is believed that the decision to block his social media account was taken at the behest of BJP regime.
The case has drawn attention to concerns over restrictions on digital expression and the ability of MP from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to communicate with the public through social media platforms.
The Delhi High Court, after hearing the submissions, issued notices to the respondents and directed them to file their replies. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 30.
The court’s intervention comes amid wider concerns over restrictions on political expression and communication in IIOJK, where Kashmiri politicians, activists, journalists and civil society voices have repeatedly faced scrutiny and curbs under various laws and administrative measures.
