The Delhi High Court has taken action against websites and social media spreading false information about an interview between Anant Ambani and Anand Narasimhan. Justice Sanjeev Narula ordered major platforms like Meta and X to remove misleading posts and submit user details.
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NEW DELHI: Recently, The Delhi High Court has taken decisive action against several websites and social media contents spreading false narratives about an interview conducted between Anant Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries, and notable journalist Anand Narasimhan. The judicial intervention highlights the ongoing battle against digital misinformation and its implications on public perception and corporate reputations.
Justice Sanjeev Narula, on May 28, issued an injunction demanding major social media platforms, specifically Meta and X (formerly Twitter), to eliminate any Facebook posts and tweets erroneously discussing the interview. The court order mandates these platforms to not only remove the misleading content but also to submit comprehensive details of the users responsible for such posts, all of which are to be filed in a sealed cover.
The legal complaint originated from CNBC TV18 and Narasimhan himself, who were compelled to approach the High Court seeking the removal of eight specific rogue websites. These sites had published a spurious article titled “CNBC-TV18 management refuses to comment on the scandal surrounding its interview Vantara (star of the forest).” This title suggested undisclosed scandals and management silence, adding layers of fictitious drama to a straightforward journalistic piece.
During the actual interview, which was available on CNBC TV18’s YouTube channel, Anant Ambani discussed at length his various projects and his profound affection for wildlife. The conversation was intended to shed light on Ambani’s professional and personal passions, devoid of any scandalous undertones.
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The court’s speedy action underscores the legal responsibilities of social media giants in moderating content and the increasing necessity for judicial oversight to prevent the spread of fake news. This case serves as a precedent for how misinformation can be challenged legally, reflecting the judiciary’s role in maintaining the integrity of information in the digital age.
A court has ordered the immediate blocking of several rogue websites. These sites had published a fabricated interview, falsely attributed to a renowned business tycoon, to promote a cryptocurrency scheme promising unrealistic returns.
The fraudulent content was designed to deceive the public by mimicking the editorial style of the BBC, thereby lending an air of legitimacy to the claims. According to the bogus interview, the individual purportedly endorsed a cryptocurrency trading platform named Everix Edge. This platform allegedly enabled users to turn a minimum deposit of Rs.26,000 into a staggering Rs.10,00,000, claiming a 4,000% return within mere months.
The fabricated statements include:
“Passive income on the platform is accessible to all, enabling individuals to generate earnings.”
CNBC TV18, in its legal challenge, highlighted that these rogue websites not only misused their trademarks but also infringed upon the copyright of the interview and the personality rights of Narasimhan, the impersonated executive.
The court concurred with CNBC TV18’s assertions. It recognized the gravity of the infringement and the potential harm to public trust and personal reputations, leading to its decision to block the websites involved.
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Legal representation was robust and varied in this case. Advocate Saikrishna Rajagopal led the legal team for the plaintiffs. Advocate Apurv Narula served as the Authorized representative of Network18 and TV18, holding the Power of Attorney for Anand Narisimhan.
On the defense side, Advocates Tejas Karia, Varun Pathak, Yash Karunakarun, Adya Joshi, and Arunima Srivastava represented Meta. Additionally, DNR GoDaddy was represented by Advocates Mrinal Ojha, Debarshi Datta, and Tanya Chaudhury.
CASE TITLE:
Network 18 Media and Investments Limited & Ors vs. WWW.BrawlersFightClub.Com & Ors.