Delhi High Court Asks Centre To Expeditiously Decide Plea Seeking Removal Of Dhruv Rathee's YouTube Video On Hindu Deities

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Union Government's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to decide expeditiously within 15 days on whether to remove a video uploaded by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee on Hindu deities, which is alleged to be defamatory and hurting religious feelings.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma directed the GAC to decide the appeal filed by lawyer Amita Sachdeva, who has also filed a criminal case against Rathee over his video.

Sachdeva is aggrieved by Rathee's video of March 21 titled “Can Hindus eat BEEF? Kerala Story 2 Exposed”. In the video, Rathee has discussed dietary habits in Hindu scriptures. He argued that ancient texts and sages mention deities like Lord Ram and Lord Krishna consuming meat.

In her plea, Sachdeva prayed for a direction upon the GAC to decide her appeal or the removal of the allegedly offensive video. She alleged that the video is highly derogatory, inflammatory and communally sensitive.

During the hearing today, ASG Chetan Sharma appearing for the Union Government said that the video contains disparaging materials against Hindu Gods and the same is non-tolerant.

The ASG said that either the intermediary should itself take down the video, otherwise a judicial order directing the same should follow.

He also referred to a judgment delivered by a division bench in which it was held that it is for the intermediary to see if any content is harmful to the society and the same should be blocked immediately by the intermediary by exercising due diligence.

The counsel appearing for Google LLC said that a direction be given to dispose of the appeal and that the intermediary will comply with the judicial order.

Accordingly, the Court asked GAC to decide Sachdeva's appeal within 15 days.

“….the appellate authority shall decide the petitioner's appeal expeditiously, within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of this order. In case of any further grievance, the petitioner can file a fresh petition,” the Court said while disposing of the matter.

It also clarified that any kind of disregard of the order will be taken sternly.

Title: Amita Sachdeva v. Union of India & Ors