Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Delhi High Court Orders Takedown of Obscene Posts About Gaurav Bhatia, Says Satire Is Protected

The ad‑interim order confines relief to explicit posts to balance dignity with free speech.

Overview

  • Justice Amit Bansal directed named defendants, including the Samajwadi Party Media Cell and politicians Ragini Nayak and Saurabh Bhardwaj, to remove explicit or sexually suggestive posts within 24 hours.
  • If they fail, X must take down and de‑index the flagged posts within 72 hours under the IT Rules, and at least one specified URL was ordered removed forthwith.
  • The court declined ex‑parte takedowns for posts it viewed as satirical or hyperbolic and issued summons so defendants can advance defenses such as fair comment.
  • The judge found no invasion of privacy because Bhatia voluntarily joined a live TV debate from home wearing a kurta and shorts.
  • The matter is listed for November 19, with one report also noting directions to X to disclose subscriber information within a week.