Delhi High Court Orders Removal Of 'Defamatory' YouTube Videos, Articles Against Dhanya Rajendran

The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of YouTube videos and news articles containing “defamatory” statements against The News Minute founder, Dhanya Rajendran, in respect of the “Cutting South” event hosted last year.

Justice Vikas Mahajan passed the ad interim injunction in favour of Rajendran in the defamation suit filed by her.

The court directed media channels The Karma News and Janam TV as well as the newspaper Janambhumi to take down, remove or block the content.

The content was published after Rajendran, along with independent media channels hosted a conclave titled “Cutting South 2023” on March 25 last year. As per the suit, the name Cutting South was based on a play of words “Cutting Chai” and “Cutting Edge”.

The articles and videos alleged that Rajendran was working as an agent of George Soros, who aimed to create civil conflict in India. It was also alleged that the central agencies got information regarding Rajendran's anti-national activities and that the event sought to “cut” and “divide” South India.

“I am of the prima facie view that the allegations in various posts/videos are not based on any credible and reliable sources for making out a case that the said allegations are true and based on facts,” the court said.

It added that the allegations did not seem to be premised on a public record document such as any criminal case registered or pending against Rajendran.

The court said that if the media outlets fail to take down or remove the content within 10 days, Rajendran and The News Minute shall be at liberty to approach and request YouTube.

In that event, the court said, YouTube shall take down the URLs within 36 hours.

“Prima facie, I find that there is a substance in the submissions made by Mr. Rao that the alleged videos and posts contains defamatory and libellous allegations and insinuations, made in a reckless manner without regard to the truth, to injure the reputation of the plaintiffs,” the court said.

The matter will now be heard on October 23.

Counsel for Plaintiffs: Mr. Raj Shekhar Rao, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Aashna Chawla, Ms. Shreya Singhal, Mr Panveer Oberoi, Ms. Mhasilendo Keditsu, Ms Bani Dikshit, Mr. Nipun Katyal and Mr. Udhav Khanna, Advocates

Counsel for Defendants: Mr. Aditya Gupta, Advocate for D-5

Title: DHANYA RAJENDRAN & ANR. v. GALAXY ZOOM INDIA OVT LTD & ORS.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 812

Click here to read order