The Kerala High Court has taken a significant step in addressing the concerns surrounding the open-source messaging application, BitChat. This app, which operates over Bluetooth and does not require an internet connection, gained traction during the internet shutdowns in Delhi in July 2026. Its unique functionality has made it a valuable tool for communication in areas with limited connectivity.
Legal Proceedings and Government Response
In October, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an order under the Information Technology Act to block BitChat and its associated website. This directive led to mobile phone manufacturers, including Apple and Google, removing the app from their respective app stores in India. The action has prompted a legal challenge from the Appropriate Technology Promotion Society, based in Ernakulam, which has filed a petition against the government’s decision.
During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M instructed several ministries, including Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Information Technology, along with representatives from Apple India and Google India, to submit affidavits addressing the circumstances surrounding the app’s blocking.
While the court is considering the maintainability of the petition, as raised by the central government, it has scheduled the next hearing for November 11, allowing for further examination of the implications of this case on digital communication and user rights in India.
