The Delhi High Court on Thursday, September 25, took a strong view against certain social media posts targeting BJP leader and Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia. The matter stems from a viral video clip of his recent television debate that triggered a flood of mocking and allegedly defamatory remarks online.
Background
Bhatia, who also appeared in person, filed a defamation suit last week after clips from a News18 debate on September 12 spread rapidly across social platforms. In that clip, a particular camera angle gave the impression that he was seated without trousers. Online reactions spiraled, many users going beyond satire to crude commentary.
Advocate Raghav Awasthi, representing Bhatia, argued that this was not fair comment but a targeted attack.
"When you go to the extent of harming the reputation of a person which is earned over years, this cannot be called satire," he submitted.
He emphasized that the footage was shot inside Bhatia’s home, making its spread an intrusion into privacy.
Justice Amit Bansal noted during the hearing that the court would not interfere with all forms of satire or sarcastic remarks, but explicit content crossing into indecency would have to go.
"We will take down the offensive videos. If not taken down, you will inform them and they will take down," the bench remarked.
The judge specifically underlined that any posts with references to male private parts could not be permitted to stay online. At the same time, he hinted that light-hearted comments without defamatory intent may not be touched.
By the end of the hearing, the court signaled its readiness to grant an interim injunction order. The offending posts, including those circulated by political party handles, journalists, and several YouTube channels, are likely to be removed. Google's counsel, Mamta Rani, clarified that YouTube could comply without needing subscriber details, easing concerns about enforcement.
The matter is listed under Gaurav Bhatia v. Samajwadi Party Media Cell & Ors (CS(OS)- 679/2025).
Justice Bansal is expected to formally pass the injunction order, directing takedown of the identified defamatory content.