New Delhi, Sept 17: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has ordered the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), acting on a Delhi court directive in a defamation case.
The order, issued on September 16, stems from an ex-parte interim injunction passed on September 6 by Senior Civil Judge Anuj Kumar Singh of Rohini Courts. The injunction was granted in response to a suit filed by AEL alleging that a series of reports, videos, and posts had carried “unverified and defamatory” claims damaging its reputation and brand equity.
According to the ministry’s notice, Google and Meta—parent companies of YouTube and Instagram—are responsible for ensuring compliance within 36 hours.
Media Houses and Journalists Named
The court order and subsequent government notice cover a wide spectrum of media houses and individuals. Among those affected are Newslaundry, The Wire, HW News, Ravish Kumar, Dhruv Rathee, Akash Banerjee, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Ajit Anjum, and several others.
Newslaundry, for instance, has reportedly been asked to remove 42 YouTube videos, including political commentary, subscription appeal clips, and incidental mentions of Adani.
Basis of the Case
Adani Enterprises alleged that repeated critical coverage and commentary had led to loss of investor confidence and delayed projects. Some of the content cited references to the Hindenburg Research report that accused the Adani Group of stock manipulation and accounting irregularities—allegations the company has denied.
The court, while granting the interim injunction, clarified that “fair reporting” of substantiated material or court proceedings was not barred, but content deemed defamatory without verification was restricted.
Free Speech Concerns
The move has sparked sharp reactions from journalists, press freedom advocates, and political voices who argue that the order undermines due process as it was passed without hearing those named.
Several media professionals, including senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, have indicated that they plan to legally challenge the order, calling it an attack on the right to report in the public interest.
Critics also fear that the order sets a precedent for powerful corporations to seek sweeping content takedowns, potentially chilling digital journalism and commentary.
What’s Next
While takedowns are expected to proceed in the coming days, legal experts note that affected parties can appeal the injunction. The matter is likely to spark further debate over the balance between defamation law and freedom of expression in India’s rapidly expanding digital media space.
