On May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of India was informed that the Central Government has withdrawn its blocking order against the YouTube channel ‘4PM News’. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the channel’s editor Sanjay Sharma, conveyed this development to the bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih.

Despite the withdrawal of the blocking order, the Supreme Court has decided to keep the petition active to examine the broader constitutional issues surrounding the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. The court is considering whether these rules infringe upon the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Sanjay Sharma’s petition challenges the legality of the blocking action, asserting that it was arbitrary and executed without prior notice or an opportunity for a hearing. He argues that YouTube, acting as an intermediary, blocked the channel following an undisclosed government order, thereby violating due process. The petition seeks the disclosure of the blocking order and its underlying reasons, as well as a review of specific provisions within the 2009 IT Blocking Rules.

The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to the Centre and YouTube regarding Sharma’s petition. The case is now poised to be considered alongside other pending challenges to the IT Blocking Rules, focusing on the necessity for transparency and procedural fairness in content regulation.

Sources