Kunal Kamra Challenges India's 'Sahyog' Portal

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, joined by senior advocate Haresh Jagtiani, has filed petitions in the India===Bombay High Court challenging the legality and constitutionality of the Government of India's 'Sahyog' portal and recent amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2025. The petitioners argue that these mechanisms, particularly Rule 3(1)(d), unlawfully empower central and state government officials to unilaterally block or take down online content without following the mandatory procedural safeguards outlined in Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. They contend that this framework bypasses requirements such as prior notice, an opportunity to be heard, and reasoned orders, thereby violating fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The 'Sahyog' portal, developed by the India===Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, aims to automate content takedown requests, but critics argue it creates an unchecked power over online information flow. The India===Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on March 16.