Court Allows Journalist to Appeal Against Punitive Actions on Facebook Pages Over Public Fund Misuse Revelations
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted liberty to social media journalist Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal to approach the Grievance Officer and the Appellate Authority concerning punitive actions taken against his Facebook pages. The judgment was delivered by Justice Jagmohan Bansal on April 2, 2026, in response to a petition filed by Dhaliwal under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.
Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal, known for his investigative reporting on matters of public interest, faced punitive actions against his Facebook pages titled "Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal" and "Talk with Rattan." His troubles began after he reported on alleged misuse of public funds in village Kaljharani, Tehsil Sangat, District Bhatinda, and interviewed an RTI activist regarding the expenditure of Rs. 785 crore on government advertisements.
Following these revelations, Dhaliwal claimed that multiple Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) claims were initiated against his content in February 2026, leading to the removal of his Facebook page on February 27, 2026. He received official communication on March 10, 2026, regarding the disabling of his account. Dhaliwal argued that these actions were retaliatory, stemming from his disclosures about internal irregularities involving public funds.
During the court proceedings, Senior Advocate Mr. R.S. Bains, along with a team of legal representatives, represented Dhaliwal. The Union of India was represented by Senior Advocate Mr. Dheeraj Jain and Ms. Amrita Singh, while the State of Punjab was represented by Additional Advocate General Mr. Ferry Sofat.
The court, while not providing immediate relief in terms of restoring the Facebook pages, allowed Dhaliwal to seek adjudication through the proper channels – the Grievance Officer and the Appellate Authority. The respondents, including the Union of India and the State of Punjab, have been given time to file their replies by July 27, 2026, as the notice of motion is returnable on that date.
This decision marks a crucial step for social media journalists facing similar challenges, as it emphasizes the importance of following due legal processes when contesting punitive actions by social media platforms. The High Court's decision to allow Dhaliwal to appeal through designated authorities highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring fair adjudication in matters involving freedom of expression and social media regulations.
Bottom Line:
Social media journalist challenging punitive actions against his Facebook pages and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) claims - Petitioner alleged actions were result of disclosures regarding misuse of public funds - Liberty granted to petitioner to approach Grievance Officer and Appellate Authority for adjudication of appeal.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India
Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal v. Union of India, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2876785
