Did the Delhi HC Order YouTuber Mohak Mangal to Remove Controversial Claims?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court ordered YouTuber Mohak Mangal to retract contentious claims made in his video against a well-known news agency. This case raises critical questions about free speech versus defamation in the digital age, as the court navigates the complexities of public discourse and media accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi High Court ordered Mangal to remove objectionable content.
- Defamation suit filed by Asian News International (ANI).
- Mangal's allegations of extortion and blackmail in question.
- Co-defendants include comedian Kunal Kamra and Mohammed Zubair.
- Next hearing set for July.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court instructed YouTuber Mohak Mangal on Thursday to eliminate controversial segments from his video, in which he accused a news agency of "extortion".
A single-judge bench led by Justice Amit Bansal was addressing a defamation case brought by the wire agency Asian News International (ANI) against Mangal’s YouTube video titled "Dear ANI".
The popular YouTube creator, who has approximately 4.21 million subscribers, claimed in his video that the news agency was engaging in “extortion” and “blackmail” while attempting to enforce its copyright over its content.
According to the defamation suit filed with the Delhi High Court, the wire agency asserted that Mangal's video intentionally disseminated false information with the aim of damaging its public reputation.
“I proposed a license. They could have declined my offer, but to exert pressure on me, they released defamatory content. This is in response to my proposal,” stated senior advocate Amit Sibal, representing the plaintiff.
“He (Mohak Mangal) initiated a media campaign against me that has escalated into a concerted effort to vilify and is inherently defamatory. They are labeling me (ANI) as thugs, extortionists, and other derogatory terms,” he continued.
During the hearing, Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt-news, who was also named as a co-defendant for sharing Mangal’s post on social media platform X, agreed to remove his posts.
Additionally, the Delhi High Court mandated stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, another co-defendant, to delete his initial tweet among several on X. Kamra’s legal counsel argued that his social media comments fell under the right to free speech and pertained to a matter of general public interest. However, the Justice Bansal-led Bench indicated that such language was unacceptable in court, highlighting that calling someone “thugs” and “mafia” is serious.
The case is scheduled for further proceedings in July.
Point of View
I believe this ruling underscores the importance of balancing free expression with accountability. The digital sphere offers vast opportunities for discourse, but it also necessitates a commitment to truthfulness. The implications of this case extend beyond Mangal and ANI; they resonate with content creators and consumers alike, reminding us of our responsibilities in the realm of public communication.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Delhi High Court's intervention?
The intervention was prompted by a defamation suit filed by Asian News International (ANI) against Mohak Mangal, who accused the agency of extortion in his video.
What does the ruling mean for YouTubers?
The ruling illustrates the potential legal consequences YouTubers can face when making serious allegations, emphasizing the need for responsible content creation.
Who else is involved in this case?
Besides Mohak Mangal, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Alt-news co-founder Mohammed Zubair are also implicated as co-defendants.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next court hearing is scheduled for July.
What are the implications of this case for media accountability?
This case raises critical questions about media accountability and the balance between free speech and defamation in the digital age.
