The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, directed the Centre to examine a statutory framework for social‑media intermediaries to ensure compliance with Indian laws governing minors on Monday. The order follows a petition by Just Rights for Children Alliance, represented by senior advocate HS Phoolka, who argued that platforms must be held enforceably accountable rather than relying on voluntary guidelines.
In a separate statement, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, slammed the move as a political attempt to silence the rising Gen Alpha. He said Instagram had become a new battlefield where 15‑ and 16‑year‑olds mock the Prime Minister, and that the regime should curb harassment, not blanket restrictions.
Dipke’s comments echo a broader debate over minors’ exposure to harmful content. He urged the Centre to focus on cracking down on abusive accounts that target girls online, rather than silencing an entire generation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the government would examine the matter and act accordingly. Justice Bagchi insisted the direction must be statutory, not a mere guideline, and requested that intermediary rules enforce compliance.
The decision arrives as opposition parties call for stronger regulation of social media, while civil‑society groups demand clearer protections for children. The government is expected to submit a draft to Parliament by the end of the month, setting the stage for the next legislative review.