Kunal Kamra Challenges Validity of Government’s ‘Sahyog’ Content-Blocking Portal in High Court
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Bombay High Court to challenge the constitutional validity of the Union government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal. Launched in 2024, the portal is designed to automate and streamline the issuance of content take-down notices for unlawful online content on social media. Kamra argues that the portal and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules are unconstitutional and unreasonable assaults on freedom of speech. The petition claims the portal allows for information removal on vague grounds, profoundly impacting fundamental rights and the free flow of information in a democracy without adequate judicial oversight.
Key Points
- The Sahyog portal is a centralized platform used to automate the take-down of unlawful social media content.
- The legal challenge argues that the portal violates fundamental rights, specifically the freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution.
- The petition targets Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, which were amended in October 2025.
- Critics argue that the grounds for content removal provided by the portal are wholly vague and lack transparency.
- The Bombay High Court has been asked to suspend the portal's functioning pending a final hearing on its validity.
Exam Facts
- The Sahyog portal was launched by the government in 2024.
- The legal challenge cites Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules (amended Oct 2025).
- The petition was filed in the Bombay High Court.
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