Prayagraj: Making it clear that social media platforms are accountable under Indian law, the Allahabad high court has pulled up both the Ghaziabad police and social media platform X for the lack of progress in a probe into obscene content allegedly posted online, observing that “the arms of Indian law are long enough to reach any transgression and strong enough to bring offenders to justice”.The observation came while hearing a petition seeking a fair and speedy investigation into the alleged circulation of obscene videos and photographs on social media.A division bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant expressed concern after the investigating officer informed the court that X (formerly Twitter) had failed to provide the URL ID and IP address linked to the account from which the objectionable content was allegedly uploaded. According to the officer, the information shared by the platform was inadequate to identify the accused and move the investigation forward.Terming the submission a “prima facie policing failure”, the bench directed the Ghaziabad commissioner of police to appear in person on Aug 12 and explain the steps taken to secure cooperation from X officials and enforce accountability under the law.“On account of refusal of senior officials of the social media platform ‘X’ to cooperate, the police investigation has come to a standstill. Non-cooperation of officials of ‘X’ with police investigations in such matters cannot be countenanced by this court,” the bench observed.The court further said the affidavit filed by the investigating officer appeared to be an admission of failure by the investigating agency. “Prima facie, officials of ‘X’ have stonewalled the police investigation and the investigating agency has abdicated its statutory duties. Their conduct will enable the offenders to cheat justice,” it said.The case stems from an FIR lodged by petitioner Mithilesh Kumar at Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad under provisions of the Information Technology Act. Kumar alleged that obscene videos involving him had been uploaded on a social media platform and later approached the high court seeking an impartial investigation.The matter has been directed to be listed as a fresh case before the appropriate bench on Aug 12, 2026. In its July 2 order, the court also directed that copies of the order be sent to the Uttar Pradesh home secretary and the director general of police for compliance.
