The Delhi High Court directed social media platforms to take down allegedly defamatory content featuring a viral audio clip with sexual undertones targeting Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary. The Court also allowed proceedings against the content uploaders.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the removal of allegedly defamatory content circulating on social media platforms involving Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary.
Justice Amit Bansal observed that a prima facie case of defamation had been made out and accordingly ordered the takedown of the impugned content, which allegedly portrayed Choudhary in a phone conversation with a woman containing “sexual undertones”.
Allegations Against Surinder Kumar Choudhary
Choudhary approached the Court seeking the removal of multiple social media videos that surfaced in October, claiming they carried an audio recording falsely attributed to him. The videos reportedly featured thumbnails with his photograph, giving the impression that the voice in the audio belonged to him.
The Deputy Chief Minister categorically denied that the voice was his and alleged that the content was deliberately fabricated and circulated to tarnish his reputation and derail his political career.
“It is very easy to vilify anybody. You can pay anyone,”
Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Choudhary, submitted before the Court.
Justice Bansal remarked during the hearing:
“It went viral. Media will not know on its own. Someone must have planted it.”
On an earlier hearing dated December 9, the Delhi High Court had directed Meta and Google to disclose details of the individuals who uploaded the alleged defamatory content. During Tuesday’s proceedings, the Court was informed that the social media intermediaries had complied with the directions and shared the uploader’s details with Choudhary’s legal team.
Subsequently, Choudhary filed an impleadment application to formally add those individuals as parties to the case.
Allowing the application, the Court held:
“I am satisfied that the parties are required to be impleaded for proper adjudication. Application allowed. Amended memo of parties taken on record.”
Political Background of Surinder Kumar Choudhary
Surinder Kumar Choudhary is a senior leader of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC). In the 2024 Assembly elections, he won the Nowshera constituency, defeating the then president of the J&K BJP. He was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the Union Territory on October 16, 2024.
The Court also noted Choudhary’s submission that he has maintained a reputation as a sincere, honest, and upright political leader, having achieved his position through years of effort and public service.
The matter is now listed for further hearing on April 23.
Appearance:
For the Deputy Chief Minister: Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar with advocates Suhail Malik, Anubhav Bhasin and Vastav Sharma
Case Title:
Surinder Kumar Choudhary v. Google LLC – India Liaison Office and Others
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