'WHETHER TWITTER INDIA IS CAPABLE OF CONTROLLING THE CONTENT?' -- KARNATAKA HC TO UP POLICE

The Karnataka HC lashed out at the UP police to insist on the appearance of Manish Maheswari, Managing director of twitter India for investigation regarding the Gaziabad attack FIR.

The Court noted and asked that the video was uploaded on the Twitter platform; however, Twitter India may have no connection with the incident. Justice G Narender asked, "Whether Twitter India is capable of controlling the content? Is Twitter Indian is capable of removing content? What allegations do you have against Twitter India? Don't bring IT rules here, and it is not applicable here. Have you ever been able to make a prima facie case against Twitter India? Whether Twitter India claims to be an intermediary? Even the basic fact is not done."

Counsel appearing for the MD of Twitter India argued that Maheswari was just an employee and had no connection over the video. On the other hand, UP police claimed that notice was issued against the MD only in a representative capacity. They only seek to identify the head of Twitter India and therefore need the petitioner's cooperation.

The Court also questioned the issue of territorial jurisdiction, as the incident took place in UP. The Court was hearing a Writ petition by Maheswari, challenging the notice by the UP police, for appearance for investigation.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal