‘Lack of application of mind & recorded reasons’: Madras HC stays Tamil Nadu police blocking order

▤ Summary

The Madras High Court issued an interim stay on a Tamil Nadu police order that had directed X to block multiple URLs, finding the notice lacked individualised reasons and application of mind. The court ordered X to restore the flagged URLs and stressed that blocking directions must be supported by recorded reasons and follow the statutory procedure under Section 69A, not rely on Section 79(3)(b) as a general censorship power. The judges found the three-hour takedown deadline prima facie disproportionate and asked the state to file a detailed counter-affidavit explaining legal basis and specific reasons for each URL. The court will hear the matter again on June 8, 2026.

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