Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma disposes of a writ petition challenging the Union Government’s Grievance Appellate Committee’s inaction over a March 2026 YouTube video by Dhruv Rathee discussing dietary references to Hindu deities in ancient scriptures, with the ASG for the Centre calling the content “disparaging” and urging the intermediary to take it down voluntarily.
The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Union Government’s Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to decide expeditiously, within 15 days, on whether to remove a YouTube video uploaded by popular content creator Dhruv Rathee discussing dietary habits attributed to Hindu deities in ancient scriptures, which is alleged to be defamatory and to have hurt religious sentiments.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order while disposing of a writ petition filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva, directing the GAC to decide her pending appeal within 15 days of receipt of the order. The Court clarified that any disregard of the order would be taken sternly, and that in case of any further grievance after the GAC’s decision, the petitioner would be at liberty to file a fresh petition.
Background
The petition was filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva, who has also lodged a criminal complaint against Rathee in connection with the video. She is aggrieved by a YouTube video uploaded by Rathee on March 21, 2026, titled “Can Hindus eat BEEF? Kerala Story 2 Exposed.” In the video, Rathee discusses dietary habits as referred to in Hindu scriptures, arguing that ancient texts and references to sages mention deities such as Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in the context of meat consumption.
Sachdeva alleged in her petition that the video is highly derogatory, inflammatory and communally sensitive. She prayed for a direction upon the GAC to either decide her appeal or to order the removal of the allegedly offensive video from YouTube.
Submissions Before the Court
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Union Government, submitted before the Court that the video contains disparaging material against Hindu gods and is non-tolerant in character. The ASG urged that the intermediary should itself take down the video, and that failing voluntary action, a judicial order directing removal ought to follow. He also referred to a judgment of a Division Bench in which it was held that it is for the intermediary to assess whether any content is harmful to society and to block it immediately by exercising due diligence.
“The video contains disparaging materials against Hindu Gods and the same is non-tolerant.” - Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma
Counsel appearing for Google LLC (the operator of YouTube) submitted that a direction be given to dispose of the appeal before the GAC and stated that the intermediary would comply with any judicial order passed in the matter.
The Court’s Order
Accepting the submissions, the Court disposed of the writ petition and directed the GAC to decide the petitioner’s appeal within 15 days of receipt of the order.
“…the appellate authority shall decide the petitioner’s appeal expeditiously, within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of this order. In case of any further grievance, the petitioner can file a fresh petition.” - Delhi High Court
The Court also made clear that any non-compliance would be viewed sternly, leaving the question of whether the video should ultimately be removed to be determined by the GAC in the first instance, rather than passing a direct takedown order at this stage.
Case Details
- Case Title: Amita Sachdeva v. Union of India & Ors.
- Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Del) 615
- Court: Delhi High Court
- Bench: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
- Date of Order: July 3, 2026 (Friday)
- For Petitioner: Advocate Amita Sachdeva (appearing in person)
- For Union of India: Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma
