Thread by @barandbench

Delhi High Court to hear plea seeking directions to Twitter to appoint a Resident Grievance Officer as mandated under Rule 4 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

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Hearing begins. Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya appears for Twitter India.

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Court points out that only interim Grievance Officer was appointed by Twitter. It is not fair, Mr Poovayya. When a Senior Counsel makes a statement, I take it seriously: Justice Rekha Palli

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There is no Grievance Officer, Nodal Officer as on date. Petitioner's grievance was that two tweets needed to be pulled down. Twitter has said that it is unable to conclude that the tweets were defamatory: Poovayya

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I want to deal with the first prayer regarding appointment of Grievance Officer. If he was removed on June 21, Twitter was expected to appoint another officer: Justice Palli

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After 21 June, till July 6, the least you could have done was appoint another person. How long does your process take. If Twitter thinks it can take as long it wants in our country, I will not allow that: Justice Palli

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When an intermediary is not in compliance with IT Rules, they lose safe harbour protections. Twitter will be in compliance with the Rules. Allow us some time: Poovayya

How long will you take? Court asks

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I would think a two-week period would be reasonable, but I will take instructions: Poovayya

Matter passed over for later.

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Poovayya comes back with instructions. Please give us a day's time. If it is called tomorrow, I will get detailed instructions

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ASG Chetan Sharma, appearing for Centre, says that three-month window was given to comply with Rules.
They are most welcome to do business in India. But this attitude cocks a snook to the digital sovereignty of this country

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I have already told them they have to comply. I am not giving them any protection. This is not the forum for these arguments: Court

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Order: Perusal of reply shows that as of May 31, Twitter had only appointed interim Grievance Officer, which was not brought to the notice of this Court. Sr Adv Poovayya says Twitter is in the process of appointing a Grievance Officer

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Order: But when asked when this appointment would be made, learned counsel sought time to obtain full instructions as time zone of company is in San Francisco.

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Come up with a clear response, otherwise you will be in trouble: Court

It is expected that counsel for Twitter will also be ready with information on compliance with other parts of IT Rules, 2021

Matter listed for July 8.

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Poovayya grateful for time granted by Court.

"It is the least we can do, after all, you are a counsel of this country," Justice Palli says.

I am from Coorg. I was to join the Army, but by mistake became a lawyer! Poovayya says amid laughter.

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Will not let Twitter take as long it wants in our country: Delhi High Court in plea to direct social media giant to comply with IT Rules, 2021

reports @adityaak90

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