Video uploaded by Dhruv Rathee withheld in India, global blocking pending: YouTube tells Delhi High Court
Google informed the Delhi High Court that it has withheld a video by influencer Dhruv Rathee in India following a directive from the Grievance Appellate Committee. The court noted that the broader issue of a global injunction remains pending before a Division Bench.
Why it matters
Addresses the ongoing legal tension between digital content regulation, freedom of speech, and the enforcement of government orders on global platforms.
Google on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) informed the Delhi High Court that it has withheld a YouTube video uploaded by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee in India, following allegations that the content was defamatory and offended religious sentiments.
The submission was made before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in a petition filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva, who has sought removal of the allegedly objectionable video.
According to Ms. Sachdeva, the influencer uploaded the video on March 21 and it subsequently garnered millions of views on YouTube. She alleged that the video contained “false, misleading and provocative statements” concerning Lord Shri Ram, Lord Krishna and Goddess Sita.
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