Court Directs Immediate Removal of Fabricated Material Circulating on Social Media; Upholds Integrity of Judiciary and Executive
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Tejas Karia, has directed the immediate removal of misleading and fabricated content that defames judges and government officials. The content, which falsely alleged participation of Hon'ble Judges and Union Ministers in a badminton event in London, was deemed ex-facie false, malicious, and derogatory. The court emphasized the importance of preserving public confidence in the justice delivery system and highlighted the lack of factual basis for the claims.
The petitioner, Badminton Association of India, argued that the misleading reports were part of a politically motivated campaign to tarnish the reputation of the judiciary. The court, upon reviewing submissions from the Solicitor General of India, found that the content was based on distorted facts and old photographs from a 2025 event in New Delhi, misrepresented as being from the recent London event.
The judgment mandates respondents, including social media platforms and internet service providers, to issue notifications under applicable laws for removing the impugned content. Additionally, intermediaries are required to preserve information about the uploaders for legal action. The court's decision underscores the need to safeguard the dignity and independence of the judiciary against unfounded attacks.
Bottom Line:
Judiciary and Executive - Dissemination of misleading and fabricated content against Hon'ble Judges and Union Ministers concerning participation in a Badminton Championship - Court directs immediate takedown of such content and preservation of uploader information for legal action.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Information Technology Act, 2000.
Badminton Association of India v. Union of India, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2927502
