A Mumbai court has issued a contempt notice to Google CEO Sundar Pichai following YouTube’s failure to remove a defamatory video titled “Pakhandi Baba ki Kartut,” which targets spiritual leader Yogi Ashwini and the Dhyan Foundation. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Ballard Pier took this action on November 21, 2024, after the platform did not comply with a prior order to take down the content.
Background of the Case
The controversy began when the Dhyan Foundation filed a complaint against a video on YouTube that allegedly defamed its founder, Yogi Ashwini. In March 2022, the court directed YouTube to remove the video. However, the platform did not fully comply, leading the foundation to file a contempt plea in October 2022, accusing Google of deliberately ignoring the court’s orders.
Court’s Rationale
The court emphasized that the video’s content could potentially harm public peace and order. It rejected YouTube’s argument for immunity under the Information Technology Act, highlighting the platform’s responsibility to adhere to legal directives, especially when the material in question is defamatory.
Implications for Google and YouTube
This incident underscores the challenges that global tech companies face in moderating content across diverse legal landscapes. It also raises questions about the accountability of platform executives for user-generated content and the mechanisms in place to address grievances effectively.
Next Steps
The court has scheduled a hearing for January 3, 2025, to further deliberate on the matter. Google and YouTube are expected to present their compliance measures and outline steps to prevent similar issues in the future.
Conclusion
The issuance of a contempt notice to Sundar Pichai by a Mumbai court highlights the intricate balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals from defamatory content. As digital platforms continue to play a pivotal role in information dissemination, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards remains paramount.
Hina Abbasi is Editor and a passionate sports and entertainment content writer at WinnersMaze.com. Hina’s expertise spans across a wide range of sports, and interest in many TV shows allowing her to deliver insightful analysis and compelling stories that resonate with readers.
