The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Delhi High Court, presided by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, has initiated legal proceedings against several YouTube channels and social media handles following a defamation complaint by BJP national spokesperson and senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia. The complaint stems from various alleged defamatory statements connected to an incident at a Noida court where Bhatia was reportedly manhandled.
The court has sent out notices to 13 YouTube channels and various accounts on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as to Google, seeking their response on the matter. This initial legal action does not include an ex-parte order, meaning no content will be taken down until the parties involved have been heard.
Bhatia, through his advocates Raghav Awasthi and Mukesh Sharma, is seeking over Rs 2 crore in damages for the statements made against him on these platforms. He is also requesting a permanent injunction to prevent further defamatory content.
During the hearing, the court highlighted the serious nature of the incident, noting that the Supreme Court has also shown concern by taking suo motu cognizance of the matter. It was mentioned that one of the videos in question not only spread false information but also seemed to justify the violence against Bhatia, potentially encouraging further physical attacks.
The case has been scheduled for a more detailed hearing on April 8, where the involved parties will present their arguments. This case is notable not only for its implications for media freedom and defamation law but also as it underscores the judicial system’s role in addressing claims of misinformation and harm on digital platforms.
