The Delhi High Court stepped into a digital rights debate on Tuesday, demanding answers from the Indian government and tech giant Meta after a parliamentarian’s Facebook page was abruptly suspended months ago. National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a Lok Sabha member and religious leader, found his primary public outreach channel—a page named “Ruhullah Mehdi”—cut off in March, and now he’s fighting to get it back.

  • Petition filed by NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi against Facebook page suspension
  • Page restricted since March following IT Act notice from law enforcement
  • Court issues notices to Centre and Meta, next hearing September 30

The Heart of the Dispute

Mehdi’s petition argues that the suspension wasn’t just a technical hiccup—it was a blow to his democratic engagement. He uses the page to talk with constituents, share information, and weigh in on public issues. Meta’s counsel revealed in court that the page was taken down because of a notice from a law enforcement agency, but details remain scarce. The MP says he was never properly heard or given clear reasons before losing access.

“The statutory framework permits the removal or disabling of access to specific unlawful content upon due process; however, it does not contemplate or authorise a blanket restriction on an entire account or page without identifying specific offending material and without adherence to the limitations prescribed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India,” the plea stated.

What Happens Next

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Meta to respond. But the court held off on granting any immediate relief, noting that it needed to hear the other side first. The matter will be heard again on September 30—a date now circled on calendars free speech advocates and tech watchers alike.

For Mehdi, this isn’t just about a social media profile. It’s about voice, reach, and the rules of digital engagement in the world’s largest democracy. The outcome could set a tone for how platforms and governments handle account restrictions—especially when elected representatives are involved.