Court denies relief on Cockroach Janata Party's X account, seeks review of block order

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Union government and X on a plea against the blocking of the Cockroach Janta Party's account. It declined immediate restoration, ordered a review of the blocking order and fixed the matter for July 6.

In Short

• Court declines immediate relief, calls for detailed consideration
• Restoration depends on Union govt's reply and review committee's report
• Review committee to examine blocking order and place decision on record

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought responses from the Union government and X on a plea filed by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke challenging the blocking of the party’s X account, while observing that the matter would require detailed consideration and declining to grant immediate relief. The petition was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.

The Court said restoration of the account could be considered only after hearing the Union government, observing that the matter involved larger concerns, the Bar and Bench reported.

During the hearing, the judge said, "There may be some substance in your submissions, but they all need to be considered. They will be considered holistically after hearing the other side. There are far-reaching issues. There are wider ramifications."

The Bench also said it would consider whether X could be asked to place the blocking order on record after the Union of India files a detailed reply. Directing that the response be filed within four weeks, the Court listed the matter for hearing on July 6.

In the meantime, the Court directed that the blocking order be reviewed. Referring to the applicable rules, it noted that a review committee is required to meet once every two months and has the authority to examine all aspects connected with such an order. The Bench said, "It is directed that the review committee will examine all these aspects. The decision be placed on record."

The Court also recorded that Dipke is not in India and said he may seek permission from the review committee to appear through video conferencing. "The aspect can be examined by the review committee," the Court said. The matter will now come up on July 6 after the Union government files its response and the review process is carried out.

The High Court also ordered that a review committee will look at all the aspects of the blocking order and meet every two months.

"It is directed that the review committee will examine all these aspects. The decision be placed on record," the Bench said, as reported by Bar and Bench.

- Ends