The Bombay High Court has asked the Union government to file an affidavit by 29 July in response to Kunal Kamra’s challenge to the Sahyog Portal and the 2025 amendment to Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The dispute matters because it tests how India regulates online content, what safeguards must accompany takedown requests, and whether executive blocking powers can be widened without notice and due process.
The same source also reports a separate United States immigration decision. The Trump administration has finalised rules that would tighten the stay period for foreign students and foreign journalists in the United States, with implementation described as possible from September.
What happened in the Bombay High Court case
The Bombay High Court listed the matter for 14 August and gave Kamra time until 6 August to file a rejoinder. Kamra’s petition challenges the Sahyog Portal and the amended rule on the ground that they allow takedowns without adequate safeguards, bypass Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and violate free speech and natural justice by enabling blocking without notice.
The petition also disputes the transfer of blocking powers to states and departments. The Karnataka High Court ruling in the X Corp matter viewed the Sahyog Portal as a cooperation mechanism rather than censorship, which shows that the legal character of the portal remains contested.
Why the issue is important for UPSC
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