States » SouthPosted at: Jul 2 2025 12:22AM


Proton Mail appeals against Karnataka HC order blocking service

Bengaluru, July 1 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court today issued notice to respondents in an appeal filed by encrypted email provider Proton Mail, challenging a single-judge order that had directed the Indian government to initiate blocking of its services under the Information Technology Act.
The Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi heard brief arguments and sought responses from M Moser Design Associates India Pvt Ltd, the firm whose petition prompted the original directive, as well as the Union government.
Proton Mail, represented by advocate Manu Prabhakar Kulkarni, sought interim relief, asking the Court to restrain the government from taking any precipitative action against the service pending the outcome of the appeal. Kulkarni submitted that the Switzerland-based company was not properly served notice in the earlier proceedings, asserting that no court-authorised summons had reached the firm.
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aravind Kamath, appearing for the Centre, clarified that Proton Mail has not yet been blocked. He noted that the single-judge had merely directed initiation of proceedings under Section 69A of the IT Act, and that a decision would be taken by a government committee following due process. He opposed the plea for an interim stay, arguing that the matter remains under confidential consideration.
The Division Bench queried the government on the stage of proceedings, to which ASG Kamath responded that he would provide details in a sealed cover due to the sensitive nature of the process.
The Court did not issue an immediate stay on the IT Act proceedings but stated it would hear the matter further on July 3.
M Moser Design Associates had approached the High Court after several vulgar and defamatory emails were sent via Proton Mail, targeting its employees and clients. The company flagged concerns over Proton Mail’s anonymity features and urged the Court to either regulate or block the service in India.
The single-judge had, on April 29, ruled in favour of the company and instructed the government to begin blocking proceedings. The judge also noted the increasing misuse of anonymous platforms like Proton Mail, even for threats of violence, and stated that courts cannot remain passive in the face of such digital abuse.
Proton Mail’s legal team refuted the claim that it ignored court processes, saying the company acted responsibly by blocking the offending sender upon receiving proper requests through the MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) route.
The Division Bench has now ordered fresh service of notice to all parties involved in the case. UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #Proton Mail appeals against Karnataka HC order blocking service
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