Remove articles linking Hardeep Puri's daughter to Epstein: Delhi HC
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of defamatory content linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Justice Mini Pushkarna, however, clarified that the order is limited to content uploaded from and available in India for now. The court's decision comes amid concerns from internet intermediaries like Google and Meta about the jurisdictional reach of Indian courts in issuing global content blocking orders.
Takedown directive
URLs flagged by Puri as defamatory
"The court is of the view that a prima facie case is made out....Therefore, the following directions are issued. Defendants are restrained from publishing or circulating the contents, on any platform whatsoever," it ordered. If uploaders don't comply within 24 hours, social media platforms are to block access to such posts. The court also allowed Puri to inform social media platforms that if similar new content is uploaded, they too may be taken down.
Legal action
Puri seeks ₹10 crore damages
Puri, a US citizen, has sought ₹10 crore in damages and a permanent injunction against several social media platforms. "I am a victim of the attack because I happen to be the daughter of a cabinet minister. So there is both a personal malice and I suspect political malice...This is all a figment of someone's imagination that a firm of which I used to be a partner received money from Epstein," senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani representing Puri told the court.
Blocking debate
Meta, Google's stand in court
Senior Advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for Meta, opposed a blanket global blocking order. He argued that such an order could create complications and suggested takedown requests should be directed to uploaders instead. Google's counsel also supported this stance, stating the issue of global content block orders remains undecided by a Division Bench of the High Court.
Journalistic freedom
Content already taken down, counsel for journalists says
Counsel for two journalists also opposed Puri's plea, arguing that some flagged content was already taken down and attributing allegations not leveled by them. They argued that an order against them would stifle journalistic freedom, to which the court clarified that it's up to investigating agencies to verify allegations against Epstein, not journalists. The matter will be heard next on August 7.