Bengaluru: The Center has told the Karnataka High Court that American microblogging platform Twitter cannot enjoy protection under Article 19 of the Constitution which ensures freedom of speech and expression.
Additional Solicitor General (South), representing the Central Government, R.K. Sankaranarayanan submitted in the High Court on Thursday that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to Indian citizens and not foreigners and foreign entities.
Twitter had challenged the orders blocked by the central government between February 2, 2021 and February 28, 2022. The American microblogging platform alleged that the orders are “arbitrary”.
The Additional Solicitor General said, “Twitter cannot 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.” to Twitter.
The matter has been adjourned till April 10.