Twitter a foreign entity, can’t seek protection under Article 19, don’t give relief: Govt to Karnataka HC

Twitter challenged the blocking orders by the central government between February 2, 2021, and February 28, 2022

March 17, 2023

Twitter can’t seek rights available to citizens

On Thursday, The Centre argued to the Karnataka High Court that Twitter cannot use Article 19 of the Constitution as a shield to protect free speech and expression. Article 19 provides fundamental rights which apply to all citizens of India, but not foreign companies like Twitter.

Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to Indian citizens, not foreigners and foreign entities. The Additional Solicitor General (South) R Sankaranarayanan representing the Central government submitted to the High Court.

Twitter challenged the blocking orders by the Central government between February 2, 2021, and February 28, 2022. The American microblogging platform alleged that the orders “are arbitrary“.

“Twitter can’t seek protection under Article 19 as it is a foreign company. There is nothing arbitrary under Article 14, and Section 69 (A) is properly followed,” stated the Additional Solicitor General, and urged the court not to give any relief to Twitter.

The matter will be next heard on April 10.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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