Allahabad High Court Orders Google and Meta to Remove Objectionable Videos Against Jagadguru Rambhadracharya

The Allahabad High Court has instructed Google and Meta to remove objectionable videos targeting Jagadguru Rambhadracharya within 48 hours. The order follows a petition highlighting the spread of defamatory content on social media platforms.

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench has ordered Meta and Google to remove certain videos from social media within 48 hours. These videos allegedly contain objectionable content about Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a renowned Ramkatha narrator and Padma Vibhushan awardee. The directive was issued by a division bench of Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Prashant Kumar during a hearing on a petition filed by Sharad Chandra Srivastava and others.

The petitioners have been instructed to provide the necessary URL links to facilitate the removal of the videos. The next court hearing is set for November 11. The petition accuses Shashank Shekhar of posting derogatory videos on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram against Rambhadracharya, who also serves as Vice Chancellor of Jagadguru Swami Ram Bhadracharya Divyang University in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.

Social Media Regulation Concerns

Despite objections from Rambhadracharya's followers, the videos remain online without any action from the platforms involved. The plea calls for the central and state governments to establish and enforce strict regulations on social media to prevent the spread of defamatory content. The petitioners argue that the content not only defames Rambhadracharya but also mocks his disability, as he lost his eyesight during childhood.

During the court proceedings, the state government revealed that the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has acknowledged the issue. A notice has been sent to Shashank Shekhar, requiring him to appear before the commission on October 18. This step underscores the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the matter.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about how social media platforms handle harmful content. It raises questions about their responsibility in moderating such material. The court's directive aims to address these concerns by ensuring swift action against defamatory content online.

As this case progresses, it may set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future. The outcome could influence policy changes regarding social media regulation in India, especially concerning content that targets individuals based on their disabilities or personal attributes.

With inputs from PTI