The Delhi High Court refused to immediately restore the X account of the Cockroach Janata Party on May 29, 2026 [1].
The ruling underscores the tension between political expression and government regulation of social media platforms in India. Because the court views the ban as having significant legal implications, it has declined to bypass standard administrative review processes.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav presided over the case brought by Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party. The court directed Dipke to approach the IT Rules review committee for a resolution, but only after the central government has had the opportunity to provide its response [1], [2].
During the proceedings, the court emphasized that the request for urgent relief could not be granted in isolation. "Such relief can only be granted after hearing the government as the issue has far‑reaching consequences," Kaurav said [3].
The court's decision prevents the party from regaining its digital presence on the platform, formerly known as Twitter, until the government's position is clarified. The judge said that the matter cannot be decided without the Centre’s response because of the broader implications of the case [4].
Dipke's plea sought the immediate reinstatement of the account, but the court maintained that the proper legal channel involves the review committee established under existing IT regulations [1], [5]. The central government is now expected to examine the plea and present its arguments before the court makes a final determination.
“"Such relief can only be granted after hearing the government as the issue has far‑reaching consequences."”
This decision highlights the Delhi High Court's reluctance to grant interim relief in social media censorship cases without a full hearing from the state. By directing the petitioner toward the IT Rules review committee, the court is reinforcing the primacy of established administrative frameworks over immediate judicial intervention in digital platform disputes.
