New Delhi: In a major relief to the Aam Aadmi Party, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the restoration of the party’s Gujarat unit’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, while directing that all objectionable posts be removed.
A bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha passed the interim order on an application filed by AAP Gujarat seeking restoration of its social media accounts.
The order came after senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for AAP Gujarat, opposed the Centre’s request for an adjournment. He pointed out that the matter had already been adjourned several times and that the government had failed to file its response despite a notice being issued a month earlier.
After passing the interim order, the bench listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
Accounts blocked ahead of Gujarat local polls
AAP Gujarat’s Instagram and Facebook accounts were blocked on April 25, a day before the state’s local government elections scheduled for April 26.
On May 8, the Supreme Court had issued notice to the Centre on AAP’s plea challenging the suspension of its Gujarat unit’s Instagram handle and Facebook page.
The party had alleged that directions issued by law enforcement authorities to Meta to block or suspend the accounts were arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional and violated constitutional rights.
AAP has also sought safeguards and clear guidelines governing the blocking or suspension of official social media accounts belonging to registered political parties.
