A Delhi court has summoned YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in response to a defamation lawsuit filed by Mumbai BJP leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua. This legal action stems from Rathee’s recent video titled “My Reply to Godi YouTubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee,” posted on July 7, 2024. Nakhua, a prominent BJP spokesperson in Mumbai, claims Rathee unjustly labeled him a “violent and abusive” troll in the video, causing widespread criticism and ridicule against him.
District Judge Gunjan Gupta of Saket Court issued the summons and also acknowledged Nakhua’s request for interim relief on July 19, setting the matter for a hearing on August 6.
According to Nakhua’s statements in the court filings, Rathee’s video allegedly contains bold and baseless accusations that indicates Nakhua’s involvement in violent and abusive online behavior. Nakhua asserted that Rathee’s actions were intended to tarnish his reputation and sow seeds of suspicion and mistrust within society. He emphasized the potential long-term impact of such allegations, suggesting they could leave lasting scars.
The legal case emphasizes a heated conflict between the rights of free expression and the need to safeguard one’s reputation in the era of digital communication. It brings attention to the changing legal framework that deals with the impact and implications of online content.
