The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed a central committee to decide within 15 days a plea seeking the removal of a video by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma warned that any disregard of the court's order would be viewed 'sternly.'
Petition by Lawyer Amita Sachdeva
The petition was filed by lawyer Amita Sachdeva, who sought a direction to the appellate committee to expedite its decision on her complaint against Rathee's video. Sachdeva argued that the video contained defamatory and misleading content that required immediate removal.
Court's Directive and Timeline
Justice Sharma, while hearing the matter, emphasized the need for a swift resolution. The court gave the committee 15 days to deliberate and announce its verdict. 'Any disregard of the court's order shall be viewed sternly,' the judge stated, underscoring the seriousness of the timeline.
Background of the Case
Sachdeva had earlier approached the committee, which is part of the government's mechanism to review online content, but no decision had been made. The lawyer then moved the High Court, seeking judicial intervention to compel the committee to act promptly.
Impact and Next Steps
The order is seen as a significant step in regulating online content, particularly from influential creators like Rathee. The committee's decision will determine whether the video stays or is taken down, setting a precedent for future cases. The court has listed the matter for further hearing after 15 days to ensure compliance.
