Overview
- A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant disposed of the public interest petition and granted the petitioner liberty to file the plea as a representation to the Union government and relevant ministries.
- The court said the issue is of “paramount public importance” but does not raise a pure question of law for judicial resolution and therefore belongs to experts in technology and policy.
- The petitioner argued that the Information Technology Act, 2000 criminalises distribution of obscene material but not mere viewing, creating an enforcement gap and cited large online-availability statistics in support of a call for a national policy.
- The order, issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, asked authorities including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to give due consideration to the suggestions while the court expressly declined to rule on the merits.
- If the executive acts, possible next steps include technological controls, use of Section 69A blocking powers, or new regulations that balance child protection with free-expression rights, and families and schools could see clearer guidance on preventing minors’ access.