If Twitter thinks that it can take as much time as it wants in India, then court will not permit that: Delhi HC in plea seeking compliance of IT Rules 2021 by Twitter

On Monday, Twitter was accused by the Centre of not complying with the IT rules, 2021. The Centre has stated in its affidavit that Twitter Inc, despite being granted three months' time to comply with the IT Rules, 2021, has failed to adhere to them.

Senior Advocate, Sajjan Poovaya, appearing for Twitter said that the difference in time zones prevented him from contacting company officials in San Francisco. As a result, the court gave Twitter a deadline of Thursday to inform when the grievance officers could be appointed.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed disappointment over non-compliance of Twitter with the new guidelines on information and technology. "If Twitter thinks that it can take as much time as it wants in our country, then I will not permit that. You should have taken some firm steps to appoint the officer" Justice Rekha Palli said.

Twitter had submitted an affidavit that said it appointed an interim Resident Grievance Officer on May 29, but he resigned on June 21. Twitter's misrepresentation in its affidavit of its appointment of a resident grievance officer mandated under the new IT rules was also condemned by the bench. "You have misled the court and gave a wrong impression. Be that as it may, the least Twitter can do was appoint another officer after June 21. We are concerned with compliance" it said.

According to Hindustan Times, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma argued that Twitter's refusal to comply with the IT rules undermines India's digital sovereignty. "Forty-two days and no compliance and we have done nothing. Facebook has removed three crore content. Twitter could have done better" Sharma added

The bench also directed Twitter to obtain instructions on the steps being taken for ensuring compliance of the other guidelines of the IT rules saying that everyone should be acquainted with the steps and progress. "Get clear instructions or you will be in trouble" the court said.