Supreme Court rejects plea to curb reels, podcasts; warns against politicising Article 32
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking to regulate social media podcasts and reels, stating that Article 32 should not be used to politicize content moderation. The court advised the petitioner to follow standard legal procedures, such as filing FIRs or approaching IT authorities.
Why it matters
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's stance on maintaining the separation between constitutional remedies and standard criminal law procedures regarding online speech.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) refused to entertain a writ petition to curb podcasts and social media reels, saying the freedom allowed to citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution for enforcement of their fundamental rights cannot be used as a ruse to politicise issues.
A Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was hearing a petition filed by Mohd. Anas Chaudhary against the online circulation of allegedly derogatory comments posted by an influencer against Prophet Muhammed.
The counsel for the petitioner highlighted the need to regulate content on social media. He said communally hurtful comments were being made online.
The Bench said the petitioner should ideally file a complaint and ensure the registration of FIR in such cases.
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