Delhi High Court Orders Decision on Controversial Dhruv Rathee Video Within 15 Days

The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Union government’s Grievance Appellate Committee to reach a decision within a fortnight regarding a contentious video by popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The video has stirred significant debate as it claims that Hindu deities were known to consume meat, prompting concerns over its inflammatory nature.

This legal move follows a formal appeal submitted by lawyer Amita Sachdeva, who argued that the video, uploaded on March 21, is derogatory and potentially harmful to communal harmony. In her appeal, Sachdeva highlighted that Rathee’s video references dietary habits purportedly found in Hindu scriptures, suggesting that revered figures such as Lord Ram and Lord Krishna partook in meat and alcohol.

During the court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Union, asserted that YouTube should have proactively removed the video due to its sensitive content. He urged the court to intervene, suggesting that either Google, the parent company of YouTube, should take responsibility and remove the video or the court should issue a ruling based on an earlier order that requires social media platforms to evaluate the potential harm of content they host.

The controversy surrounding the video illustrates the ongoing tensions related to freedom of expression and religious sentiments in India. In recent years, there has been an increasing scrutiny of online content, especially when it touches upon sensitive religious issues. The High Court’s order reflects the need to balance the rights of content creators and the sentiments of communities, emphasizing the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing online platforms.

The Grievance Appellate Committee, which is tasked with reviewing user appeals against social media platforms, now faces a pressing deadline. As the debate continues, many are watching closely to see how this case unfolds, given its potential implications for online discourse and the responsibilities of social media intermediaries in India.

Source: scroll.in