A Delhi court has directed YouTube and Google to remove within two days an allegedly defamatory video targeting Guruji Ka Ashram Trust and its late founder, observing that the content, prima facie, contains statements and insinuations capable of harming the trust’s reputation and that of its global followers. The order was passed on Saturday by a district court in Saket.
In addition to directing the takedown of the video, the court restrained the content creators and other unidentified persons from uploading, sharing or circulating similar material until the suit is finally decided.
The civil suit was filed by the trust through its trustees, seeking urgent relief to prevent further publication and dissemination of the impugned video across digital platforms. Granting an ex-parte ad-interim injunction, the court noted that the rapid spread of online content could cause irreparable reputational harm, which may not be adequately remedied at a later stage.
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In its order, the court observed that both the thumbnail and the language used in the video appear to contain unverified and potentially disparaging allegations against the trust and its late founder. It further held that any delay in granting relief would defeat the very purpose of the injunction, given the speed at which online content is viewed, shared and amplified. Accordingly, YouTube was directed to remove the video’s URL, related images and associated content within 48 hours.
The order was passed by District Judge Sachin Mittal, who extended the restraint not only to the named defendants but also to their officers, associates, agents and employees. Importantly, the court also applied the injunction to unknown or unidentified persons, commonly referred to as “John Doe” defendants, with the stated objective of preventing further circulation of similar material on social media and other digital platforms.
Appearing for the trust, senior advocate Sandeep Kapur, Senior Partner at Karanjawala & Co., submitted that content targeting “Guruji” has repeatedly surfaced on various digital platforms. He argued that by the time legal remedies are invoked, such videos often accumulate substantial viewership, causing damage to a reputation built over several decades. The trust, he submitted, was therefore entitled to immediate protection.
The interim order also restrains the defendants from publishing, circulating or sharing any similar allegedly defamatory content, directly or indirectly, during the pendency of the proceedings. The court has ordered issuance of summons to the defendants and fixed the next date of hearing for February 26, 2026.
Cases involving alleged defamation on digital platforms have seen a steady rise in recent years, as courts seek to balance the right to free speech with the right to reputation. In several such matters, courts have granted interim relief where prima facie material indicated potential harm to dignity and standing.
The Saket court’s order reflects the judiciary’s increasing readiness to deploy existing legal remedies to regulate allegedly harmful online content while a case is under consideration. Legal experts note that such interim injunctions are intended to preserve the status quo and prevent reputational damage that may be difficult to undo through monetary compensation alone.
The matter remains pending before the civil court, and the next hearing is expected to examine the trust’s claims in detail, along with submissions from the defendants.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
