India’s growing digital surveillance regime is facing its most high-profile challenge yet from Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter. In a legal standoff that could redefine the future of internet freedom in one of the world’s largest online markets, X has taken the Indian government to court over what it calls unconstitutional censorship orders.
Government Tightens Digital Controls with ‘Sahyog’
At the heart of the conflict is a surge in takedown demands from the Indian government. Since 2023, the Modi administration has broadened its online oversight, granting powers to an increasing number of officials to issue takedown notices. The government also launched a centralised content-removal portal, Sahyog, in October 2024 — a move that critics say formalises state censorship.
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X, which did not join Sahyog and instead dubbed it a “censorship portal,” has filed a lawsuit in the Karnataka High Court, contesting the legal foundation of the new rules. In a June 24 filing, X claimed that some takedown orders “target content involving satire or criticism of the ruling government, and show a pattern of abuse of authority to suppress free speech.”
Musk’s Mixed Relationship with the Indian Government
The legal challenge comes even as Musk, who has called himself a “free-speech absolutist,” maintains cordial ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2023, Musk praised India’s potential, stating the country had “more promise than any large country in the world” and noted that Modi had encouraged him to invest.
Court filings reviewed by Reuters reveal that between March 2024 and June 2025, federal and state authorities issued around 1,400 takedown requests to X. More than 70% originated from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre the same unit that created the Sahyog portal and operates under the home ministry led by Modi aide Amit Shah.
Government Defends Censorship as National Duty
India’s government, for its part, has defended its stance. In court documents, it argued that its approach combats unlawful content and ensures digital accountability. A 92-page government report claimed X is “hosting illegal content,” adding that misinformation and hate speech on the platform threaten “social harmony.”
The filings show that the takedown requests range from legitimate concerns — including child abuse material and fake news — to politically sensitive content. Orders were issued to suppress coverage of a deadly stampede, cartoons mocking Modi and local politicians, and even satirical posts involving BJP leaders.
Local Leaders and Police Back Crackdown
One takedown involved a post by BJP lawyer Koustav Bagchi, showing West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in an astronaut suit. State police cited “risks to public safety and national security.” Bagchi told Reuters the image was “light-hearted” and that he was unaware of the order.
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Deputy Commissioner B. Geetha from Chennai’s cybercrime unit defended the state’s approach. “X does not fully grasp the cultural sensitivities,” she said. “What may be acceptable in some countries can be considered taboo in India.”
Critics Warn of Media Suppression
Critics argue that this expanding censorship model risks stifling dissent and media freedom. “Can a claim that some content is unlawful be termed as indeed unlawful merely because the government claims so?” asked Subramaniam Vincent of Santa Clara University. “The executive branch cannot be both the arbiter of legality of media content, and the issuer of takedown notices.”
As Musk ramps up his India ambitions with Tesla and Starlink, the outcome of this legal battle could determine how much free expression will be allowed on the Indian internet.
