The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of several online links identified by former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh as allegedly violating his personality rights. While granting interim relief, the Court made it clear that only the URLs specifically placed before it would be taken down for now, leaving the issue of future content open for consideration if fresh complaints arise.
Background of the Case
The matter came before Justice Jyoti Singh after Yuvraj Singh filed a civil suit seeking protection of his personality rights. He alleged that several online entities and individuals were commercially using his name, image, and identity without permission. The suit also referred to content on social media platforms and e-commerce websites that was claimed to be derogatory or commercially exploitative.
During the hearing, Singh's counsel argued that certain sellers were marketing merchandise using the cricketer's identity without authorization. Concerns were also raised over online posts and comments allegedly affecting his reputation.
Court's Observations
Justice Jyoti Singh directed the removal of the URLs specifically listed in the suit but declined to issue a blanket order covering future or similar content.
“The Court observed, ‘For now I am directing the takedown of URLs that are part of the suit. If anything further comes up, an application can be filed and appropriate orders may be considered.’”
On a Reddit post highlighted during the hearing, the Court noted that the post had remained online for about two years and that its transcript had not been placed on record. It therefore decided not to pass any immediate direction regarding that content.
The Court also observed that online intermediaries cannot themselves determine whether future content is infringing without judicial scrutiny.
Court's Decision
The Delhi High Court directed the individuals who uploaded the disputed content to remove the identified URLs within the prescribed timeline. If they fail to do so, Yuvraj Singh has been permitted to approach the concerned social media platforms and intermediaries for their removal.
The intermediaries have been granted three weeks to file their responses. The matter is listed for further hearing on November 13.
