On July 19, the Saket Court, under the directive of District Judge Gunjan Gupta, issued a summons to popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in connection with a defamation suit filed by BJP leader Nakhua. The Court also issued a notice to Rathee regarding Nakhua's plea for interim relief, scheduling the next hearing for August 6. The official court order stated, "Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes i.e. PF & RC/Speed Post/ Approved Courier including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed."

Background of the Allegations

Nakhua, a spokesperson for the Mumbai unit of the BJP, has claimed that Dhruv Rathee called him a 'violent and abusive' troll in one of his YouTube videos. The contentious video, titled “My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee,” was uploaded on July 7, 2024, on Rathee's YouTube channel.

In his plea, Nakhua stated that the allegations made by Rathee are without any "rhyme or reason" and have a tendency to tarnish his reputation. According to Bar and Bench, the suit argues, “That Defendant No.1 [Dhruv Rathee], who in a highly provocative and incendiary video that spread like wildfire across digital platforms, made bold and unsubstantiated claims against the Plaintiff. The insidious intent behind this video lies in its unfounded insinuation that the Plaintiff is somehow linked to violent and abusive troll activities.”

Impact of Allegations

Nakhua has reported facing widespread condemnation and ridicule as a result of the allegations made in Rathee's video. He claimed, "That through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video that is Plaintiff seek not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society, has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences."

Also Read : Modi Government's First Budget: Focus on Employment and Regional Development

The repercussions of such false allegations, according to Nakhua, extend well beyond the realm of the video, impacting both his personal and professional life. He asserted that the damage to his reputation from these allegations may be irrevocable, leaving scars that could never fully heal.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

The Court's decision to summon Dhruv Rathee signifies a serious consideration of the allegations brought forward by Nakhua. The notice for interim relief indicates that the Court is open to providing temporary measures to mitigate the alleged damage to Nakhua's reputation while the case is ongoing. The scheduled hearing on August 6 will further delve into the merits of the case and the validity of Nakhua's claims.

This case highlights the increasing scrutiny on social media content creators and the potential legal implications of their content. It also underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and responsibility in digital media.

As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how the Court addresses the issues of defamation, especially in the context of online platforms where content can rapidly spread and impact reputations.

Conclusion

The summons issued to Dhruv Rathee by the Saket Court in response to BJP leader Nakhua's defamation suit marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse about online content and reputation management. With the next hearing set for August 6, the legal battle is expected to shed light on the responsibilities of content creators and the protection of individuals' reputations in the digital age.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX & Upstox.