YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s Controversial Video on Hindu Deities Blocked in India Following Government Directive

In a significant development, a video by popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee that discusses the dietary habits of Hindu deities has been blocked in India as per an order from the Union government. The news was relayed to the Delhi High Court by Google’s legal representatives during a hearing on Tuesday, as reported by Live Law.

The contentious video, which Rathee uploaded on March 21, purportedly claims that deities such as Ram and Krishna consumed meat and alcohol, creating a stir among viewers. While the video remains accessible to audiences outside of India, a request for its global removal is currently under consideration by a division bench of the High Court.

The plea for the video’s removal has been submitted by lawyer Amita Sachdeva. She argues that Rathee’s assertions are derogatory and inflammatory, potentially inciting communal tensions. In addition to her petition in the High Court, Sachdeva has lodged a criminal complaint against Rathee, alleging that he distorted Hindu scriptures and undermined the sanctity of what is referred to as Sanatan Dharma, a term often used interchangeably with Hinduism.

The controversy escalated when the Union government’s Grievance Appellate Committee intervened, ordering the video to be blocked following a directive from the High Court on July 3. This committee is responsible for reviewing appeals from users regarding complaints about content on social media platforms. During the recent court proceedings, Sachdeva highlighted that the video could still be accessed in India through alternative means, raising concerns about its potential impact on public sentiment.

Rathee, who has garnered a significant following for his informative and often critical videos on various social issues, has yet to publicly respond to the backlash or the legal complaints. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in India regarding freedom of expression, the portrayal of religious sentiments, and the role of social media in disseminating potentially controversial content.

Source: scroll.in