Delhi High Court Orders GAC to Decide SFI's Instagram Account Takedown Appeal

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to resolve an appeal by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) regarding the disabling of its Instagram account within three weeks. Justice Amit Mahajan disposed of a petition filed by SFI and its Delhi State Committee secretary, Sooraj Elamon, after the appeal had been pending with the GAC since August 12.

The SFI’s @sfidelhi account, which had approximately 13,000 followers, was suspended by Instagram on July 5, 2026, citing potential association with another account violating its rules. SFI appealed the same day, but Instagram rejected the appeal on July 7 and permanently disabled the account. The account has not been reinstated.

The appeal had remained pending before the GAC for over a month without a decision, prompting SFI to approach the High Court. According to media reports, India's IT Rules stipulate that the GAC should endeavor to resolve appeals within 30 calendar days. The delay has hindered SFI's ability to post updates and reach its 13,000 followers.

The case highlights the impact of rapid content takedowns and protracted appeal processes on organizations' social media presence. Delays can diminish an account's reach and complicate the rebuilding of its audience, even after reinstatement. Recent amendments to India's IT Rules have also tightened deadlines for content removal.