In a major blow to controversial app TikTok, the Supreme Court has refused its plea seeking transfer of cases pertaining to the embargo on it from the Madras High Court to the apex court.

TikTok had approached the top court seeking all matters awaiting in the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court be transferred to the Supreme Court for final and speedy disposal.

But the bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi rejected it saying that the high court was competent enough to tackle all issues, including those concerning free speech.

“We are not inclined to entertain this transfer petition,” the bench said.

Previously, the top court had directed the Madras High Court to examine whether interim relief on the ban imposed on TikTok could be rendered or not.

The company had contended before the high court that it was experiencing the same problems similar to those witnessed by social media platforms.

Partial action against TikTok was infringement of Article 14 of the Constitution, the company contented.

Taking note of the contentions of the company, the Madras High Court had lifted its ban on the social media app on the rider that the app will not allow posting of vulgar videos.

—India Legal Bureau