A day after the July 4 deadline set by the government for a microblogging transnational to comply with IT rules, the company launched legal proceedings by challenging its orders in Indian courts. Alleging abuse of power by the government, the social media platform said it has been coerced by the Centre to block accounts and posts supportive of farmers protests, Covid mishandling, the tanking economy, unemployment data, persecution of minorities and comments critical of official policies and ordinances. The SM giant said that many removal orders for taking down content did not meet procedural or substantial requirements of section 69 A of India's IT act but simply smacked of vindictiveness, disproportionate use of power and ill intent. The platform has been locked in a confrontation with the Indian government for over two years now. According to industry transparency reports, India has the highest number of government orders for content takedown, internet shutdowns and press censorship. The saffron dispensation has been in conflict with its own people, opposition-ruled states, international accountability bodies, human rights organizations, the UN and media companies which show a mirror to the ruling elite.
