Bengaluru court orders deletion of defamatory videos against Dharmasthala temple, issues injunction on youtube channels
Bengaluru: In a significant order, a Bengaluru court has directed several YouTube channels to delete defamatory videos and restrain themselves from making further derogatory remarks against the Dharmasthala temple and its administrators. The ruling came after a defamation suit was filed on behalf of the Dharmasthala religious institution.
The 11th CCH (City Civil) Court in Bengaluru heard the plea and concluded that the videos in question were defamatory in nature. The court has ordered the immediate removal of objectionable videos and imposed an injunction prohibiting the publication of any further defamatory content against the temple or its authorities.
petition filed by Harshendra Kumar
The defamation petition was filed by Harshendra Kumar on behalf of the Dharmasthala religious trust. In his submission, he stated that several YouTube channels and social media accounts were spreading baseless allegations and false narratives that tarnished the temple’s reputation and dignity.
three-day deadline for deletion
Acting on the plea, the 11th CCH Court ordered all accused content creators to delete the objectionable videos within three days of the order’s issuance. The court ruled that the content was harmful and defamatory to the Dharmasthala temple and its religious leaders.
youtube channels and individuals named in the order include:
- Sameer from Doota YouTube channel
- Girish Mattennavar (individual statements)
- Kudla Rampage YouTube channel
- Srinath Shetty from Anna Bond YouTube channel
The court directed these individuals and channels to ensure all defamatory videos and related posts against Dharmasthala are removed from their channels and other social media platforms.
injunction against further defamatory remarks
Additionally, the court issued a clear injunction order preventing the defendants from making or circulating any defamatory remarks against the temple in the future. Violation of the order, the court warned, would invite legal action.
The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for December 8. Legal experts note that this ruling sends a strong message against the misuse of digital platforms to malign revered religious institutions like Dharmasthala and underscores the growing judicial scrutiny on online defamation.
