Delhi HC disposes off plea seeking ban on social networking sites, apps

The Delhi High Court on Friday disposed off Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking ban on social networking sites and mobile applications through which hate, abusive and vulgar messages are being sent by hiding the sender's identity.

According to reports, the court has passed its direction while hearing a petition seeking to ban Saudi Arabia-based social networking website and mobile application - 'Sarahah.com and sarahah'.

A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar heard the case.

The bench disposed of the plea in which petitioner advocate Shadab Husain Khan claimed that despite requests made to the authorities for their intervention, no action has been taken in the matter.

Besides this website, the plea has also sought banning of other such websites and mobile apps, saying there was a threat to safety from cyber crime, mental peace, dignity and self- respect of people.

It claimed that the petitioner has been receiving such anonymous messages and similar information has been collected by his friends and colleagues who had also fallen victim to them.