Deepali Kalia –
A Public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in Kerala High Court by K.G. Omanakuttan, a software engineer from Idukki, seeking a directive to the Centre to ban the use and operation of WhatsApp if it defies the orders of lawful authorities in the country.
The petition contended that WhatsApp has refused to comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethic Cod) Rules, 2021 and was violating the fundamental rights of the citizens guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
It was argued by the petitioner that WhatsApp posed a threat to national interest and security.
Since the Centre has banned many mobile apps and websites which is believed to be acting against the national interest, it should also ban WhatsApp if the app continues to resist changing its technology and cooperating with the government, the petitioner stated.