Digital rights activists argued the ban was an overreach of state power and an infringement on personal freedom of choice in the digital realm.

The ban, however, did not sit well with many. It sparked a fierce debate about free speech, censorship, and morality. National newspapers ran dramatic headlines such as "Don't Let Savita Die" and "Assassination of Savita," urging the public to file Right to Information pleas to reverse the ban. Even renowned graphic novelist Sarnath Banerjee commented on the ban, sarcastically noting, "Wow, India has now joined the elite club of China, Iran, North Korea and suchlike in the area of Internet censorship". Following the ban, the site's creator announced the closure of the project, which led to hundreds of R.I.P. groups springing up online, mourning the 'death' of the toon porn star.