Published May 30, 2025 | 11:56 AM ⚊ Updated May 30, 2025 | 11:56 AM
Andhra Pradesh High Court. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh High Court proposed “auto-blocking” abusive content on social media, citing rising online trolling. Justice Nyapathy Vijay, while hearing YSRCP’s Sajjala Bhargav Reddy’s bail plea, stressed protecting citizens’ dignity and urged the state to identify and restrict offensive words. The court referenced a similar Supreme Court directive in Sabu Mathew George v. Union of India.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently proposed the state government to adapt the mechanism of “auto-blocking” abusive words on social media, in view of the rising online trolling.
According to the Livelaw, Justice Nyapathy Vijay, while hearing anticipatory bail pleas by YSRCP social media head Sajjala Bhargav Reddy, noted that vulgar, abusive, and hate-filled posts have become the “new age norm,” especially when targeting celebrities or political leaders. The court made these remarks while addressing multiple FIRs against Reddy, including charges under Section 111 of the BNS (organised crime).
Reddy has been accused of spreading derogatory/abusive posts on social media platforms against the rival political leaders holding Constitutional posts.
“It appears that profanity thrives the business entities as they attract instantaneous reactions,” the single judge remarked as it emphasised that every citizen has the right to lead a dignified life, which is a human right recognised under the Constitution of India.
“The State Government is obligated to ensure that this right to a dignified life of citizens is not infringed, and it is in that context that the list of expletives, swear words, militant words, and words akin thereto should be identified by the State Government, and executive instructions should be issued, in exercise of their power under the Constitution, prohibiting usage of such words on social media,” the bench observed in its order passed earlier this month.
Further suggesting “auto blocking”, the court drew parallels with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sabu Mathew George v. Union of India, where intermediaries were directed to auto-block ads violating the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.
The court further urged the state government to consider its observations in the order “as expeditiously as possible”.
In November 2024, Andhra Pradesh police filed FIRs, gave notices and made arrests in Andhra Pradesh against social media sympathisers of the YSRCP.
On 13 November 2024, the police issued a lookout notice for Sajjala Bhargav Reddy in a case under the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly abusing a person based on caste.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
