Karnataka HC imposes a fine of Rs 50 lakh on Twitter for non-compliance

Centre had asked Twitter to take down some accounts with tweets related to farmers’ protests and coronavirus. Twitter said that the orders to block some tweets were “procedurally and substantially deficient of the provision” and “demonstrate excessive use of powers”.

The microblogging platform then approached the court. In its petition, Twitter asked how it could be directed to block user accounts and muffle the freedom of speech.

“If on my platform 1,200 accounts are blocked even when the material is appearing in print and TV, then it is causing prejudice,” senior advocate Arvind Dat had argued for Twitter.

According to LiveLaw, while announcing the verdict, the bench said, “Your client (Twitter) was given notices and your client did not comply…Punishment for non-compliance is seven years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. That also did not deter your client. So you have not given any reason why you delayed compliance, more than a year of delay…then all of sudden you comply and approach the Court. You are not a farmer but a billion-dollar company.”