The Kerala High Court has directed Meta Platforms to temporarily block public access to a social media video containing remarks allegedly made against the deities of the Sabarimala temple.
Justice G Girish passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by public commentator Rahul K Easwar seeking removal of the video and action by the authorities.
Easwar approached the High Court alleging that Dalit activist Sunny M Kapikad had made scandalous and indecent remarks concerning Lord Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma in a video circulated on social media.
During the hearing, the Court viewed the video and considered the petitioner's objection regarding its contents and continued availability online.
The Court found that the allegation concerning the remarks was substantiated at the interim stage and noted the possible impact on the religious beliefs of devotees.
The High Court observed that continued public access to the video could hurt the religious sentiments of worshippers of the concerned deity.
"It appears that the allegation of the petitioner herein about the scandalous and indecent speech made by the respondent about the deities of Sabarimala temple is found to be substantiated. In continuance of the above video in the social media platform would definitely hurt the religious beliefs of the worshippers of the aforesaid deity."
The Court also made it clear that its interim direction was limited to the particular URL identified before it.
The Court directed the fourth respondent, Meta Platforms, to temporarily block and disable public access to the specified video.
Easwar's counsel also told the Court that he would verify whether the same video remained available through other URLs.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 6.
