New Delhi: A Mumbai court has issued a contempt notice to Google CEO Sundar Pichai over YouTube’s failure to remove a defamatory video targeting the Dhyan Foundation and its founder, Yogi Ashwini. The notice was issued by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Ballard Pier on November 21.
The Dhyan Foundation, an animal welfare organization, filed the contempt petition in October 2022. It argued that YouTube continued to host the video, also outside India, which was defamatory and damaging to its reputation.
The video, titled “Pakhandi Baba ki Kartut,” allegedly contains defamatory and obscene content. The Foundation claims it has significantly damaged their public image.
While Google’s legal team has argued against the scope of criminal jurisdiction, the magistrate’s decision underscores the importance of protecting reputational rights in sensitive cases. The case is now scheduled for its next hearing on January 3, 2025.
