Did a Punjab Court Order Social Media to Remove Videos Targeting CM Mann?
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Synopsis
A Mohali court has ordered major social media platforms to remove videos targeting Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The court's action, taken in response to concerns over vulgar and potentially AI-generated content, includes a list of 166 specific URLs. Non-compliance could impact the platforms' legal protections.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab court mandates removal of videos within 24 hours.
- 166 specific URLs targeted in the order.
- Concerns over fabricated, vulgar content.
- Potential legal implications for non-compliance.
- Accountability of social media platforms emphasized.
Chandigarh, Oct 24 (NationPress) A court in Mohali, Punjab, has mandated that leading social media platforms, including Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, YouTube, X Corp., and Telegram, eliminate objectionable videos aimed at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann within 24 hours of receiving the court's directive.
The court provided a detailed list of 166 specific URLs from these platforms. Judicial Magistrate (1st Class) Manpreet Kaur instructed, "Remove the content associated with the specified URLs as listed."
The order emphasized, "The alleged offensive material is to be removed immediately, and in any case, within 24 hours following the court order."
This decision was made based on a request from the State Cyber Crime Department in Mohali, which contended that the fabricated content, possibly AI-generated, was vulgar and posed a threat to public order.
Additionally, the court has directed Google to ensure that the offensive content is rendered non-searchable by de-indexing and de-referencing it.
All platforms are also required to maintain all related information and records pertaining to the objectionable material to prevent the loss of evidence.
The fake video was allegedly disseminated from the account of Jagman Samra, a resident of Canada. After the videos gained widespread attention, a case was initiated against Samra.
While the content was initially removed from Samra's account, the court noted that "certain mischievous individuals have begun re-uploading or circulating the same or substantially similar objectionable content" on various other platforms, resulting in the comprehensive list of 166 links submitted to the court.
The court's order warned the intermediaries that non-compliance with these directives could lead to the forfeiture of their exemption from liability under the IT Act, thereby opening the door for legal actions against them.
Point of View
This ruling showcases the judiciary's proactive stance in addressing misinformation and safeguarding public order. As social media continues to influence public discourse, it is imperative that platforms take responsibility for the content they host. The court's stringent measures highlight the need for accountability in the digital age, aligning with the nation's commitment to maintaining social harmony.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Mohali court order?
The Mohali court ordered major social media platforms to remove objectionable videos targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann within 24 hours.
How many URLs were included in the court's order?
The court provided a list of 166 specific URLs that needed to be removed.
What was the reason for the court's order?
The order was based on concerns raised by the State Cyber Crime Department regarding vulgar and potentially AI-generated content that could disturb public order.
What happens if the platforms do not comply?
Failure to comply with the court's order could result in the forfeiture of the platforms' exemption from liability under the IT Act, leading to possible legal actions.
Who is Jagman Samra?
Jagman Samra is a Canadian resident who was linked to the dissemination of the objectionable videos.
