In a strongly worded rebuke, the Delhi High Court criticised Meta (formerly Facebook) for handling a complaint filed by TV Today. The media company’s popular Instagram page for Harper’s Bazaar India was blocked, leading to a legal challenge regarding India’s Information Technology Rules, Bar and Bench reported.
As per the report, during the hearing, a Division Bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora expressed dismay at Meta’s lack of responsiveness. “Your situation is worse than a government department,” the court stated, emphasising the need for the company to rectify its systems. The judges warned that failure to do so could result in a formal order of condemnation.
TV Today initiated the case after its Harper’s Bazaar India Instagram account was blocked following a third-party copyright complaint. The media company argues that the relevant IT rule allows social media platforms to restrict access without adequately allowing users to defend themselves, the report added.
Representing TV Today, Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah asserted that despite multiple attempts to communicate with Meta, including through its grievance redressal officer, the company only provided generic responses, implying an incorrect communication channel was used, Bar and Bench said.
Meta’s attorney, Advocate Tejas Karia, explained that the block resulted from three copyright strikes. He maintained that Meta’s initial reply to TV Today was not a final decision and requested additional time for the company to formulate a more comprehensive response. Karia further noted the volume of daily requests Meta receives and its reporting obligations to India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Bar and Bench added.
The Bench countered that Meta’s large user base does not excuse inadequacies in its operations and that its communication with TV Today appeared dismissive. Karia requested a brief adjournment, and the court will resume the hearing on Wednesday, the report added.
Also read: Meta risks European Union fines over Kremlin lies on Facebook, Instagram
