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Kunal Kamra Challenges IT Rule 3(1)(d) and Sahyog Portal in Bombay High Court Over Article 19(1)(g) Rights

Target:MPSCUPSC GS-IITeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
07 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Article 19(1)(g)Article 14Section 69ARule 3(1)(d)November 15, 2025October 2025
Bodies:Bombay High CourtKarnataka High CourtUnion Ministry of Electronics and Information TechnologyMinistry of Home Affairs
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What This Article Covers

1.Petitioners challenge the IT Ministry's Sahyog Portal and amended IT Rule 3(1)(d) for enabling arbitrary content takedowns without due process.

2.The portal, launched in 2024, has processed over 2,300 blocking orders to 19 platforms in a year, expanding state control over online content.

3.The challenge argues these mechanisms violate Articles 14 and 19(1)(g), creating a parallel regime to the established Section 69A blocking rules.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and advocate Haresh Jagtiani have challenged the IT Ministry's 'Sahyog Portal' and the amended IT Rule 3(1)(d) before the Bombay High Court. They argue the portal and rule create a parallel, unchecked takedown regime that bypasses legal safeguards under Section 69A of the IT Act, threatening freedom of speech. The case is set for hearing on March 16, 2026.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

PetitionersKunal Kamra & Advocate Haresh Jagtiani
Court & Hearing DateBombay High Court; March 16, 2026
Sahyog Portal Launch2024
Blocking Orders (Oct 24-Oct 25)2,300+ orders to 19 platforms
Amended RuleIT Rule 3(1)(d), effective Nov 15, 2025

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Petitioners: Kunal Kamra & Advocate Haresh Jagtiani
  • ›Court & Hearing Date: Bombay High Court; March 16, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: Over 2,300 blocking orders via Sahyog Portal between Oct 2024-Oct 2025.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) developed Sahyog Portal with MHA.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Challenge argues Sahyog & Rule 3(1)(d) bypass Section 69A of IT Act and 2009 Blocking Rules.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

The 'Sahyog Portal', challenged in the Bombay High Court, was developed by which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the legal challenge to the Sahyog Portal and IT Rules: 1. The petitioners argue that the mechanisms violate the procedure mandated under Section 69A of the IT Act. 2. The amended IT Rule 3(1)(d) requires intermediaries to remove content within 24 hours of receiving a government notice. 3. The petition claims the provisions infringe upon the fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to RTI data cited in the news, approximately how many blocking orders were sent to online platforms through the Sahyog Portal between October 2024 and October 2025?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary constitutional concern raised by the petitioners against the Sahyog Portal and amended IT Rule 3(1)(d)?

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