Delhi High Court seeks response from Meta, Centre on plea against ban on Instagram account 'Bring Back Ballot'

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Central government and Meta Platforms on a plea challenging the blocking of the Instagram account "Bring Back Ballot"

Justice Amit Mahajan said that the case will be heard next on November 6.

The account was run by advocate Mehmood Pracha and his organisation Mission Save Constitution. 

They approached the High Court arguing that their Instagram account was withheld in India on October 10, the day a protest was held demanding a return to paper ballots for elections in the country. The organisation was planning to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar under the slogan “EVM Hatao Desh Bachao”.

According to the plea, the Instagram account was withheld without prior notice, hearing, reasons or a copy of the order directing the restriction. The account displayed a message stating that it was unavailable in India because Instagram had complied with a legal request for banning the account

As per the petition, the account had over 40,000 followers and was used to publish posters, videos and explainers advocating a return to paper ballots and mobilising citizens for the protest.

According to the petitioners, the action by the government and Meta violates the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association under Article 19 of the Constitution. 

Advocates Sanawar, Kumail, Vishal and Adeel appeared for the petitioners. Advocate Mehmood Pracha also appeared in person.

[Read Order]