The Supreme Court on Monday said it was not inclined to consider a petition seeking a complete prohibition on pornography, observing that a similar move in Nepal had triggered violent protests earlier this year.
A bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai, who is set to demit office on November 23, remarked, “Look what happened in Nepal over a ban.” The court declined to proceed with the matter immediately and said the petition would be taken up again after four weeks, according to NDTV.
Plea seeks national policy on porn regulation
The petitioner urged the apex court to direct the central government to frame a national policy and an action plan to restrict access to pornographic content, especially for minors. The plea also requested that the court issue directions to prevent the viewing of such content in public spaces.
“After digitalisation, everyone is connected digitally… who is educated or uneducated is immaterial. Everything is available in one click,” the petitioner reportedly argued. The plea added that no effective monitoring systems were in place during the Covid period, when children relied heavily on digital devices for online schooling.
‘Billions’ of porn sites accessible in India: petitioner
Citing government admissions, the petitioner claimed that billions of pornographic websites remain accessible in India and that no effective law exists to regulate such material. The plea further alleged that exposure to pornography adversely affects individuals and society, particularly adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years.
The petition also referred to “shocking data,” claiming that over 20 crore pornographic clips, including those involving child sexual abuse material, were circulating across the country. It reminded the court that the government had powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to block access to such content.
Court stresses parental control tools
While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Supreme Court observed that parents and families already have access to parental control and tracking software to monitor what children view online.
Despite the petitioner’s repeated requests for interim measures, the bench refrained from issuing any immediate directions and instead deferred the hearing.
Background: Nepal’s anti-porn protests
The bench’s reference to Nepal’s recent unrest stemmed from violent protests in that country earlier this year, after its government moved to restrict online pornography. The restrictions prompted Gen Z-led demonstrations against what protesters called a “corrupt and controlling” administration.
What’s next?
The case will come up again before the bench after four weeks, when the court may decide whether to issue notice to the Centre.
While the plea calls for stronger laws and monitoring mechanisms, the apex court’s cautious approach reflects a balance between individual freedoms, parental responsibility, and digital governance in India’s evolving online space.