Delhi High Court Orders Sudarshan News, Social Media Platforms To Remove News Reports Accusing Muslim Man Of Forced Religious Conversion

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed certain news channels including Sudarshan News and social media platforms like YouTube, Google and Twitter to block links of news reports accusing a Muslim man of forcefully converting a woman to Islam. 

Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing a plea moved by one Azmat Ali Khan seeking removal of news items and videos published on online platforms in respect of an FIR lodged against him on April 19 by a Delhi-based woman accusing him of forced religious conversion.

It was Khan’s case that the allegations against him are under investigation by Delhi Police and circulation of the videos is posing great threat to the independent probe as well as his safety and security.

It was submitted on behalf of Google that since the FIR has already been registered, the originators of the videos ought to be heard in the matter.

The counsel representing NBDSA submitted that none of the respondent news channels were members of NBDA.

On the other hand, the counsel appearing for Press Council of India submitted that Khan’s email dated May 9 consisting of the links of news reports will be looked into. The court was apprised that the council only looks into the matters which are published and not those which are uploaded on websites.

Considering the nature of the matter, the court issued notice to the respondents including Youtube, Google, Twitter, Sudarshan TV, Orissa TV, Bharat Prakashan and Suresh Chavhanke.

The court also issued notice to the Delhi Police and directed it to place on record a status report in respect of the investigation carried out in the matter.

Justice Singh also asked the counsel appearing for the Delhi Police to contact the complainant and intimate her about the pendency of the petition.

“Considering that there is severe threat as is evident from the comments placed before the court, it is directed that the links set out in the petition shall be immediately blocked for public viewing,” the court said.

The court clarified that the direction is to all the respondents. 

Title: Azmat Ali Khan v. Union of India & Ors. 

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 395