The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government’s Grievance Appellate Committee to decide within 15 days on an appeal seeking the removal of a YouTube video by Dhruv Rathee that allegedly hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
The petition concerns a video in which advocate Amita Sachdeva alleges that Dhruv Rathee falsely claimed that Bhagwan Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Bhagwan Shri Krishna consumed meat and alcohol. According to the plea, these statements are derogatory, offensive to Hindu devotees, and capable of disturbing communal harmony.
During the hearing, the Central Government submitted that online intermediaries are expected to exercise due diligence and take appropriate action against content that violates legal obligations. The Court directed the Grievance Appellate Committee to decide the appeal within 15 days and inform the Court of its decision. It also observed that any disregard of its order would be taken seriously.
The allegations made against the video are currently part of ongoing legal proceedings. A separate criminal complaint has also been filed, and the concerned magistrate has sought an Action Taken Report from the police.
The case highlights the growing debate over freedom of expression, the responsibilities of digital platforms, and the protection of religious sentiments in the online space.
The legal process will now determine the next course of action.
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