Karnataka High Court stays order to block Proton Mail

The Karnataka High Court has restrained authorities including the Central government from blocking access to Proton Mail in India, till further orders [Proton AG v M Moser Design Associates (India) Pvt Ltd]

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice CM Poonacha passed the order on March 16 on an appeal moved by Proton Mail against a blocking order passed against it by a single-judge of the High Court last year.

The Court noted that Proton Mail was not disputing its obligation to comply with all lawful orders passed by the authorities or courts. It, thus, granted an interim relief to the email service provider.

"In the meanwhile, respondent authorities are restrained from completely blocking the appellant's service till next date of hearing," the Court ordered.

In 2025, a single-judge bench had ordered the blocking of Proton mail in India, observing that the platform provided a high degree of anonymity to its users.

Justice M Nagaprasanna had observed that the anonymous nature of Proton Mail had turned the platform into a menace, as it was even being used to send bomb threats. 

The proceedings had arisen from a petition filed by M Moser Design Associates Pvt Ltd, which alleged that vulgar emails about its employees were allegedly sent through Proton Mail to other employees and their clients.

The order was then challenged by Proton Mail before the Division Bench.

The Division Bench issued notice to the Central government, M Moser Design Associates India and other respondents, and asked them to file their written submissions in the matter.

It also noted that the principal consideration in appeal would be whether Proton Mail was remiss in following the court directions or complying with the law of the land.

"It is the appellant's submission that they did not act on the receipt of the registered notice issued by the advocate through registered post as there was no order authorising this thing. The learned counsel for appellant also states that immediately on receipt of the copy order through the Swiss Authorities, the appellant has complied with the same," the order said.

The matter will be heard next on June 23.