The government has ordered blocking of as many as 857 porn websites, sparking off a debate on social media over censorship and freedom of speech.

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology asked Internet service providers to take down 857 porn websites, an official said.

The decision faced flak over social media with several commentators calling in censorship and curtailing freedom of speech.

Explaining rationale for the decision, an official said the government has merely complied with the Supreme Court directive asking for measures to block porn sites, particularly those dealing with child pornography.

He, however, said it is a temporary measure till the final orders are pronounced by the top court.

On July 8, the government had assured the Supreme Court that all possible measures would be taken to block such sites.

The assurance came after a bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu expressed its unhappiness that things have not moved forward and the petitioner in the matter was making all sorts of submissions.

"You have not blocked the websites. The petitioner is saying so much," the bench, also comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy told Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand.