Internet giants Google and Facebook have removed content from some Indian domain websites following a court directive.
A court in New Delhi told the companies to put in writing the steps they had taken to block offensive content and to submit reports to the court within 15 days.
The two are among 21 companies asked to develop a mechanism to block objectionable material after a private petitioner took them to court over images deemed offensive to Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
The case has stoked fears about censorship in the world's largest democracy.
At the heart of the dispute is a law that India passed last year making companies responsible for user content posted on their websites, and giving them 36 hours to take down content if there's a complaint.
Last month, the companies said it was not possible for them to block content. Google's Roy Chowdhury declined to comment on
what had since been removed, and a Facebook representative said only that the company would release a statement later.
Compiled from agency reports
A court in New Delhi told the companies to put in writing the steps they had taken to block offensive content and to submit reports to the court within 15 days.
The two are among 21 companies asked to develop a mechanism to block objectionable material after a private petitioner took them to court over images deemed offensive to Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
The case has stoked fears about censorship in the world's largest democracy.
At the heart of the dispute is a law that India passed last year making companies responsible for user content posted on their websites, and giving them 36 hours to take down content if there's a complaint.
Last month, the companies said it was not possible for them to block content. Google's Roy Chowdhury declined to comment on
what had since been removed, and a Facebook representative said only that the company would release a statement later.
Compiled from agency reports