The Delhi High Court on Friday asked Asian News International (ANI) and YouTube to file their responses to a petition by YouTuber Mohak Mangal, who has sought the reinstatement of ten videos removed after copyright strikes by the news agency.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, hearing the matter, issued notice to both respondents and gave them two weeks to reply. The courtroom saw appearances from senior advocates on both sides - Saurabh Kirpal for ANI and Diya Kapur for Mangal.
Kirpal told the court that ANI was "keen to settle the issue quickly," suggesting that Mangal either pay the agency or edit the disputed content. Kapur firmly rejected this proposal, insisting that "this is not a commercial issue but one of free speech."
The court, choosing not to comment on the merits at this stage, observed that
"the questions raised touch upon the thin line between copyright protection and the right to express freely."
Mangal, in his plea, argued that his use of ANI’s video material qualifies as fair use under Section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957. He also claimed that YouTube’s refusal to reinstate the videos during the pendency of the case has caused "irreparable harm" to his work, which depends heavily on timely online engagement.
He asserted that the takedown infringes his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, calling the move a form of indirect censorship.
After brief exchanges, Justice Arora directed both ANI and YouTube to file their detailed responses and said the case would be heard for final arguments in the next listing.
"The matter will be decided finally after both sides are heard," the judge stated before adjourning.
Case Title: ANI v. Mohak Mangal & Ors
