The Karnataka High Court has dismissed X’s legal challenge to India’s content takedown regime, affirming the government’s authority to regulate online platforms. The court held that X must comply with local laws, noting that “liberty is yoked with responsibility.”

X had argued that India’s system—allowing multiple officials to order removals—was arbitrary, unconstitutional, and akin to censorship, quipping that “every ‘Tom, Dick, and Harry’” could issue takedowns. Rejecting this, Justice M. Nagaprasanna said social media cannot exist in “anarchic freedom” and that platforms operating in India bear a “solemn duty of accountability.” The court also observed that while X follows similar rules in the United States, it resisted doing so in India.

The government defended the framework as vital to curb hate, division, and fake news threatening public order, adding that Meta and Google support its approach. The ruling marks a setback for X in a key market. The company may appeal, including to the Supreme Court of India.

The verdict underscores India’s assertive approach to platform governance in a critical market for X, while leaving the door open for a Supreme Court appeal.