Fri Feb 06 11:11:00 UTC 2026: ### Kunal Kamra Challenges Government’s ‘Sahyog’ Portal in Bombay High Court

The Story: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal, arguing that it represents an “unconstitutional and unreasonable” assault on freedom of speech. The petition specifically targets the IT rules amended in October 2025 and the Sahyog portal itself, claiming they grant excessive power to government officials to take down social media content without due process.

Key Points:
* Kunal Kamra filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on February 4, 2026, challenging the government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal.
* The petition alleges the portal enables government officials to issue takedown orders without following proper procedures mandated by the Information Technology Act.
* The government claims Sahyog automates the process of sending notices to intermediaries for the removal of unlawful online content.
* Kamra argues that the IT Rules and the Sahyog Portal enable blocking or takedown of information on vague grounds, violating freedom of speech under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
* The petition asserts that the mechanisms provide no remedy against arbitrary takedowns and grant unchecked power to thousands of government officers.

Critical Analysis:
The move to challenge the ‘Sahyog’ portal comes in the wake of amended IT rules in October 2025 which likely broadened the scope of government intervention on social media. Given the mention of Article 19(2) of the Constitution, this is likely a freedom of speech issue that will play out within the legal system.

Key Takeaways:
* The ‘Sahyog’ portal is being legally challenged as an infringement on freedom of speech.
* The government defends the portal as a tool for swiftly removing unlawful online content.
* The outcome of this case could significantly impact the government’s ability to regulate online content and the extent of free speech protections in the digital sphere.
* The portal was developed to automate the removal of content under the IT Act, 2000.

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