The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea challenging the potential ban of the messaging platform Telegram, questioning whether the rights of over 150 million users in India could be curtailed. A single bench of Justice Tejas Karia wrapped up hearing arguments in the matter, extensively questioning both sides on the issue of proportionality, users’ rights, and the adequacy of measures taken by the platform.
Court Questions Proportionality
During the hearing, Justice Karia raised concerns about the impact of a ban on Telegram's vast user base in India. The court asked whether curtailing the rights of millions of users was proportional to the alleged misuse of the platform. The bench also examined the steps Telegram has taken to address concerns raised by the government, including issues related to security and illegal activities.
Arguments Presented
The petitioner, represented by senior advocates, argued that a ban would be a disproportionate measure and that Telegram has cooperated with authorities. They emphasized that the platform has implemented mechanisms to comply with Indian laws. On the other hand, the government contended that Telegram has failed to address serious concerns, including the spread of misinformation and use by criminal elements.
The court also discussed the balance between national security and individual privacy rights. Justice Karia noted that while the government has a duty to prevent illegal activities, any restriction must be reasonable and not overly broad.
Order Reserved
After hearing detailed arguments, the bench reserved its order, which is expected to be pronounced in due course. The case has significant implications for digital rights and the regulation of messaging platforms in India.
