The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Central government in a petition challenging the blocking of the YouTube channel "4PM News" on the grounds of national security.

A Bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan directed the Centre to file its reply within two weeks.

The petition, filed by 4PM News Editor Sanjay Sharma, contends that the channel was blocked following a secret directive from the government citing concerns of "national security" and "public order." Sharma claims he was never served a formal blocking order.

Invoking Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the plea argues that a reasoned order and an opportunity to be heard are mandatory before any online content is blocked.

“It is settled law that the Constitution does not permit blanket removal of content without an opportunity to be heard. ‘National security’ and ‘public order’ are constitutionally permissible grounds under Article 19(2), but they are subject to tests of reasonableness and proportionality,” the plea states. It further argues that vague references to these grounds—without disclosure of the alleged offending content—undermine the petitioner’s right to free speech and fair hearing.

Describing the Centre’s move as a “chilling assault on journalistic independence,” Sharma has sought to quash the blocking order. The plea also challenges Rules 8, 9, and 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, arguing that they allow content to be blocked without prior notice or hearing, and are therefore unconstitutional.

The petition was filed through Advocate Talha Abdul Rahman and drafted by Advocates Mohammad Haider Rizvi and Shaz Khan.