On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the removal of four allegedly defamatory YouTube videos targeting financial educator and entrepreneur Pushkar Raj Thakur.

The ex parte ad interim injunction was issued by Justice Jyoti Singh in response to a defamation suit filed by Thakur against the YouTube channel “DeClutter.”

The Court instructed the defendant to take down the specific videos cited in the suit, which Thakur claimed were damaging his reputation. Additionally, the Court restrained the defendant from uploading any similar or identical content until the next date of hearing.

During the proceedings, senior counsel for Thakur argued that the videos referred to Thakur as a “scamster” and “fraudster,” and such allegations were wholly unfounded. It was further submitted that Thakur is a well-regarded financial educator with over 15 million subscribers on YouTube and a significant following across other social media platforms.

Thakur alleged that the channel had initiated a deliberate defamation campaign against him and that the videos in question made baseless and malicious accusations.

After issuing summons and notice on the interim injunction application, the Court observed that a prima facie case had been made out in Thakur’s favour, and the balance of convenience lay with him.

The Court also noted that if the defendant failed to remove the videos within two days, Thakur could approach Google to take appropriate steps to ensure the content was taken down within 48 hours.

Appearing on behalf of Google, counsel submitted that the platform would act to remove the videos if the defendant failed to do so voluntarily.

The case is scheduled to be heard next before the Joint Registrar on September 3 and before the Court on October 14.