Delhi High Court: In a petition filed by Azmat Ali Khan (petitioner), a classical singer, seeking the removal of videos, tweets, and various news items appearing on online platforms and news channels in respect of an FIR registered at Dwarka Delhi lodged against the Petitioner, Prathiba M Singh, J., directs removal and blocking of the offending links containing comments posing threat on the life and safety of the petitioner.
It is the Petitioner’s contention that the news is in the form of fake news, threats and are severely jeopardizing his life, reputation and safety. FIR has been lodged by a lady with whom he was in a relationship for the last eight years.
Counsel for petitioner submitted that the circulation of the videos poses a great threat to the independent investigation in the FIR and the Petitioner’s personal safety and security. It was further submitted that the videos released by Sudershan News and other platforms are extremely derogatory and the comments on the YouTube platform show that there is a threat to his life as well.
Counsel for Google (respondent 4) submitted that the FIR has already been registered in the matter, therefore the originators of the videos ought to be heard and orders may then be passed. Counsel for -News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (respondent 3) submitted that none of the news channels i.e., Respondent 6 &7 – Suresh Chavanke and Odisha Television Limited respectively, are members of the NBDA. Therefore, Respondent 3 has no jurisdiction over the said news channels.
Counsel for the Press Council of India (respondent 2) submitted that the email was received and is being investigated by the PCI which has jurisdiction only over the print media.
The Court noted that there is a severe threat to the independent investigation in the FIR and to the safety and security of the petitioner, as is evident from the comments and videos which have been placed before the Court.
Thus, the Court directed the offending links to be immediately blocked for public viewing till the next date of hearing, I.e., 24-05-2023.
[Azmat Ali Khan v Union of India, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 2763, decided on 12-05-2023]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, Mr Saurabh Soni, Mr Karan Prakash and Ms. Shruti Khosla Advocates for the Petitioner;
Mr. T. Singh Dev, Mr. Abhijit Chakravarty, Ms. Anum Hussain, Mr. Aabhaas Sukhramani, Mr. Tanishq Srivastava and Mr. Bhanu Gulati, Advocates for the R-2;
Ms. Nisha Bhambhani, Mr. Rajat Arora & Ms. Mariya Shahab, Advocates for the R-3;
Ms Mamta Jha, Mr Rohan Ahuja & Ms Shruttima Ehersa, Advocates for the R-4.
