Social media platform “X,” owned by Elon Musk, announced on Monday its intention to appeal an Indian court order that allows over two million police officers nationwide to issue arbitrary removal requests through a secret electronic portal called “Sahyog.”

“X” said in a post on its platform: “We will appeal this order in defense of freedom of expression,” marking its first statement since the Karnataka High Court last week ruled there was no legal basis to the company’s challenge to cancel content removal mechanisms in India.

On Monday, “X” added: “Sahyog allows officers to issue content removal orders based solely on allegations of ‘illegality,’ without judicial review or due process for those affected, and threatens platforms with criminal liability if they do not comply,” according to Reuters.

“X” has previously clashed with New Delhi, viewing government mechanisms as censorship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government says the new system addresses the spread of illegal content and ensures accountability online.

Musk, who describes himself as a staunch advocate of free speech, has faced authorities in several countries over compliance demands and content removal requests, but the lawsuit filed by the company in India targets the entire basis for tightening internet regulation in the world’s most populous country.

Since 2023, Modi’s government has intensified efforts to monitor the internet by allowing many more officials to issue content removal orders and send them directly to tech companies via a website launched in October.