'Entire Social Media Account Can't Be Blocked For Few Objectionable Posts': Kerala High Court Permits Operation Of Journalist's FB Account
The Kerala High Court recently directed that the Facebook account of journalist N. Madhavan Kutty be permitted to operate, after it was blocked on the instructions of the Police.
Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A., observed that the entire social media account cannot be blocked for a few objectionable posts and added that only the objectionable content may not be displayed for the time being.
“if there is any objectionable content that affects the security of the State or against the public interest, nothing would preclude the respondent to issue instruction to block such content. However, going by the documents produced before this Court, it is seen that, only in respect of some of the contents, the entire account itself is blocked. Therefore, I am prima facie of the view that the respondents have exceeded their powers. Therefore, as an interim measure, the petitioner can be permitted to operate the account referred to above… With regard to the objectionable online contents, if the 9th respondent [Grievance Officer, Meta] has already furnished the necessary information in this regard, the same shall not be allowed to be displayed online for the time being.,” the Court remarked.
The Court was considering the plea by senior journalist and former editor of the New Indian Express, who had a following of 6000 persons on his facebook account. His account was blocked in India by Meta in November 2025 without prior notice or assigning reasons for the same.
He alleged that the same was in violation of the principles of natural justice as well as the fundamental right to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19 of the constitution. Though legal notice was sent to Meta in January 2026, no action was taken, which prompted him to approach the High Court.
He pointed out that the restrict was in violation of laws, including Rule 4(8) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. As per this provision, there is a mandate to inform user with prior notice explaning the reason for restriction on content and to give adequate opportunity of hearing as well as to ensure that there is oversight over the dispute resolution mechanism by the Resident Grievance Officer.
The plea thus prays for a direction to restore the account immediately. The same was sought as an interim relief as well, which was allowed by the Court.
He also sought compensation of Rs. 1 lakh from the respondents, including the Centre, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and other official respondents.
The case is now posted to September 1 for further consideration.
The petition is moved by Advocates Kaleeswaram Raj, Thulasi K. Raj,Chinnu Maria Antony, and Tarun Philip.
Case No: WP(C) No. 21126 of 2026
Case Title: N. Madhavan Kutty v. Union of India and Ors.