- High Court ordered GAC to decide Rathee video appeal.
- Plea seeks YouTube video removal for hurting religious sentiments.
- Centre called video
- GAC committee must decide the appeal within fifteen days.
Dhruv Rathee YouTube video controversy: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to decide within 15 days an appeal seeking the removal of a YouTube video uploaded by content creator Dhruv Rathee. The plea challenges a video titled “Can Hindus Eat Beef? | Kerala Story 2 Exposed”, alleging that it contains objectionable content relating to Hindu deities.
The Grievance Appellate Committee, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has been asked to dispose of the appeal within the stipulated time. The court observed that non-compliance with its direction would be viewed seriously.
High Court Sets 15-Day Deadline
The petition before the High Court sought the removal of Rathee’s video from YouTube, alleging that it hurt religious sentiments by making claims regarding Lord Ram, Sita and Lord Krishna.
After hearing submissions from all parties, the court directed the GAC to pronounce its decision within 15 days, effectively leaving the matter to the statutory appellate mechanism established to examine disputes involving online content moderation.
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Centre Urges Swift Action On Video
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma argued that YouTube should have acted expeditiously after receiving complaints regarding the video.
He submitted that the content was “objectionable and hate-inciting” and described it as “harmful and divisive.”
Referring to an earlier order passed by a division bench, Sharma said: “Either Google [the parent company of YouTube] says they will do it now, or my ladyship may pass a judgement based on what the division bench has said,” while arguing that intermediaries have an obligation to block harmful content where required by law.
Counsel appearing for Google informed the court that the company had already responded to the complainant, following which an appeal was filed before the GAC.
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Criminal Complaint Also Pending
The complainant, Sachdeva, has separately filed a criminal complaint against Dhruv Rathee before a metropolitan magistrate.
According to the complaint, the video allegedly misrepresents Hindu scriptures and “mocked the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma.” The magistrate has reportedly sought an action-taken report from the police on the complaint.
The High Court disposed of the petition after directing the GAC to decide the appeal within 15 days.
The case has once again brought into focus the debate surrounding freedom of expression, religious sensitivities and the responsibilities of digital platforms in moderating user-generated content. No findings have yet been recorded by the court on the merits of the allegations against the video, and the matter now awaits the GAC’s decision.
