Hearing a petition filed by the Manipur government, the High Court ordered the Centre to coordinate with social media platforms to block the circulation of the disturbing footage.
BY PC Bureau
January 24, 2026: The Manipur High Court on Saturday directed central government authorities to take immediate and effective steps to remove a highly disturbing video that has gone viral across social media platforms, citing serious law-and-order concerns.
The video allegedly shows the brutal killing of a man by armed assailants and has raised alarm over its potential to disrupt public order and communal harmony in the violence-hit state.
A single-judge bench headed by Justice Aribam Guneshwar Sharma passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by the Manipur government, represented through the Commissioner (Home) and argued by the State Advocate General. The petition sought urgent directions to block and remove the video from all major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
The state government submitted that the graphic footage—showing the victim pleading for his life before being shot at point-blank range—poses a grave risk of provoking retaliation, inciting communal violence, and further destabilising the fragile security situation in Manipur. The state has been witnessing prolonged unrest since 2023 amid ethnic clashes, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
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According to reports, the viral clip is linked to the recent killing of a youth in Churachandpur district, with some accounts identifying the victim as Mayanglambam Rishikanta. The footage captures the victim kneeling with folded hands moments before being executed. Authorities warned that the circulation of such content—often accompanied by inflammatory captions—could trigger fresh protests, road blockades, and retaliatory attacks.
Taking urgent cognisance of the matter, Justice Sharma underscored the court’s concern over the widespread dissemination of the video and its capacity to disturb public tranquillity. The court directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other concerned central agencies to coordinate with social media intermediaries under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Section 69A, which allows blocking of online content in the interest of public order, security, and sovereignty.
The High Court has also sought a compliance report from the authorities, stressing the need for swift implementation to prevent any escalation of tensions.
The order reflects the judiciary’s proactive approach amid recurring instances where viral videos of violence in Manipur have intensified unrest and undermined efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
