Delhi High Court Directs MeiTY Review Committee to Examine Cockroach Janata Party Account Block

In Abhijit Dipke v. Union of India, the Delhi High Court has directed the Review Committee of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) to examine a plea filed by Abhijit Dipke, founder of the satirical social media movement “Cockroach Janata Party,” seeking restoration of its blocked X account.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued notice on the petition but declined to grant any interim relief at this stage. The Court observed that the matter raises “far reaching, wider issues” and would require detailed consideration after responses are filed by the authorities.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Dipke, argued that the blocking order had been passed without giving the petitioner an opportunity to be heard. He also submitted that neither the petitioner nor the Court had been provided with the actual blocking order, leaving the petitioner unaware of the reasons behind the action.

The Court noted that Rule 14 of the Information Technology Rules provides for a Review Committee that periodically examines blocking directions. Referring to this mechanism, the Court directed the committee to consider all issues raised by the petitioner and place its decision on record before the next hearing.

Recognising practical difficulties faced by the petitioner, who is currently outside India, the Court allowed him to participate in the review proceedings virtually. It also stated that any request to authorise another person to appear on his behalf could be considered by the Review Committee.

The Centre was represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma. During the proceedings, the Court observed that the legal framework governing social media account blocking and disclosure of blocking orders is still developing.

Sibal argued that if specific posts were objectionable, individual tweets could remain blocked while the account itself could be restored. He pointed to earlier cases where similar relief had been granted. However, the Court remarked that the present matter appeared somewhat different because authorities may have considered the overall activity associated with the account.

The Court also observed that it had not yet seen the actual blocking order and therefore could not fully assess the legality of the action. It indicated that questions regarding disclosure of the material relied upon for blocking could be examined by the Review Committee.

The “Cockroach Janata Party” emerged as a satirical online movement following remarks made by the Chief Justice of India during a hearing. The movement rapidly gained popularity and reportedly attracted millions of followers before its social media accounts were suspended.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 7.