Why Karnataka High Court closed a PIL seeking ban on porn websites, apps

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday closed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition that had sought a ban on websites and apps which allegedly display obscene and pornographic images [The Legal Attorneys and Barristers Law Firm V Union of India].

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Poonacha observed that similar issues are already being considered by the Supreme Court.

Therefore, it opined that it would not be appropriate for the High Court to examine the same issue.

"We are of the opinion that it would not be appropriate to consider the present PIL at this stage. Hence, no order is required," the Court said.

Notably, in 2015, the Indian government had ordered a ban on several websites that displayed pornographic content.

Over 800 websites were initially blocked as part of the anti-porn drive. However, after concerns were raised that even websites that displayed non-porn content were inadvertently blocked, the government revised its ban to target websites that contained child pornography.

The petition before the High Court was filed by a law firm last year. The petitioner had urged the Court to direct the Central government to ban pornographic websites and apps such as OnlyFans, Pornhub, Brazzers, etc.

It also called for strict action to be taken against such platforms for violating Indian laws on online content regulation.

When the matter was heard yesterday, Deputy Solicitor General of India H Shanti Bhushan told the Court that a petition related to the same issue is pending before the Supreme Court.

In view of this, the Court proceeded to close the PIL case.