Sanatan Sanstha challenges Facebook’s unjust ban on its pages in Bombay HC

Mumbai – Sanatan Sanstha has challenged Facebook’s action of unpublishing its pages in Bombay HC. Sanstha said, ‘Facebook’s action is a violation of freedom of expression. It does not follow any legal procedure and is a blow to the authority of Central Government. It is also a violation of fundamental rights of Indian citizens.’ Bench of Justice M S Sonak and Justice M S Javalkar heard the petition on 17^th June. In September 2020, Facebook had banned 3 pages of Sanatan Sanstha without prior notice. The Sanstha has filed petition against this action.

पेज ब्लॉक केल्यामुळे सनातन संस्थेची फेसबुक विरोधात हायकोर्टात याचिका https://t.co/xfTRUnEQtq via @LoksattaLive

— Sanatan Sanstha (@SanatanSanstha) June 18, 2021

The petition read, ‘Sanatan Sanstha’s Facebook pages were based on Spirituality, Dharma and Patriotism. The articles and news published on it served as guidance regarding Hindu Dharma and mentioned assaults on it. The pages were in no way commercial. It is unjust to unpublish the pages directly without any prior warning and hence, should be rectified. Facebook can only ban the pages after receiving such directives by either the Centre or the Courts. Facebook’s action has also violated the authority of Central Government. It is Government’s responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens.’

.@SanatanSanstha has moved Mumbai High court for the “unjust” ban of its Facebook pages

Petition stated- Our accounts contained articles, news, guidance about Hindu Dharma and the attacks thereon & has nothing to do with commercial activities.#facebook_suppress_hindu_voices pic.twitter.com/870MpcBeZ3

— Sanatan Prabhat (@sanatanprabhat) June 18, 2021

Facebook has shown its willingness to argue the petition. The hearing is adjourned till 8^th July.