Bengaluru, September 24, 2025 – Elon Musk’s social media company X (formerly Twitter) has received a major setback in India after the Karnataka High Court dismissed its petitions against the Indian government’s directives. The court made it clear that no social media platform can claim immunity from Indian laws, stressing that foreign corporations cannot invoke constitutional protections meant exclusively for Indian citizens.

Court Rejects X’s Petition

X had filed multiple petitions challenging the central government’s orders to block specific accounts and posts on the platform. These orders were issued under provisions of Indian law relating to public order, national security, and misinformation control. However, the court upheld the government’s position, saying that regulation of digital platforms is the “need of the hour” and companies cannot be allowed to operate without oversight.

“The freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution is reserved for Indian citizens, not foreign entities,” the bench observed. With this statement, the court directly addressed X’s argument that government takedown requests violated free speech.

Freedom of Expression Not for Corporations

The Karnataka High Court highlighted that Article 19 of the Constitution, which safeguards freedom of speech and expression, is “citizen-centric”. It clarified that the article forms a charter of rights exclusively for Indian citizens. Foreign companies, including Musk’s X, cannot claim protection under this constitutional provision.

“No company or foreign platform can misuse Article 19 to escape accountability,” the court ruled, adding that while X abides by U.S. laws, it has repeatedly resisted complying with Indian takedown directives.

Social Media Cannot Be Above the Law

During the hearing, the judges underscored the rapidly changing nature of digital ecosystems, where algorithms continuously influence public discourse and information flow. The bench questioned whether it was even possible to leave such powerful platforms unregulated.

“Just as technology evolves, regulation must also evolve,” the court said. It emphasized that social media platforms are not above national laws, and Indian markets cannot be treated as a “playground” by global corporations.

Regulation Is Inevitable

The judgment reiterated that social media platforms must work within the legal framework of the country in which they operate. The court declared:

• No platform will be allowed to operate in India without proper regulation.

• Freedom of expression rights apply only to citizens, not foreign companies.

• Compliance with Indian takedown orders is mandatory.

This decision strengthens the government’s authority to enforce accountability in the digital space, particularly in the fight against fake news, hate speech, and misinformation.

Wider Implications for Tech Giants

The ruling is likely to have significant implications for other global tech giants operating in India, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google, and YouTube. It sends a strong message that India will not compromise on sovereignty when it comes to digital governance.

Legal experts believe the judgment could set a precedent for future cases involving social media platforms and their obligations toward Indian laws. “The court has drawn a very clear line between citizens’ rights and corporate responsibilities,” one constitutional lawyer said.

A Turning Point for Musk’s X in India

For Elon Musk’s X, this verdict means stricter scrutiny and increased compliance obligations. The company will now have to decide whether it is willing to fully follow Indian laws or risk penalties and possible operational restrictions.

With India being one of the largest markets for social media, non-compliance could prove costly for X. The ruling underscores that while freedom of speech remains a cornerstone of democracy, it cannot be used as a shield by foreign corporations to bypass national laws.