Why did Aaradhya Bachchan file a Delhi High Court Case?

Aaradhya Bachchan was accompanied by her father Abhishek as a petition was filed, which was heard by the Delhi High Court.

The 11-year-old reportedly sought an injunction against YouTube channels reporting fake news about her health as she is a minor.

The petition had asked 10 entities to “de-list and deactivate all videos” about her.

Google LLC and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Grievance Cell) have also been made parties in the case.

The petition, filed by law firm Anand and Naik, stated:

“The defendants’ sole motivation is to unlawfully profit from the reputation of the Bachchan family, irrespective of the damage-causing to the plaintiffs and their family members.”

After the Delhi High Court heard the case on April 20, 2023, it directed the YouTube channels to immediately remove all videos and images that spread fake news about Aaradhya’s health.

Justice C Harishankar stated that every child is entitled to be treated with honour and respect, whether they are the child of a celebrity or not.

After going through the detailed submissions, Justice C Harishankar issued summons to Google LLC and several entities operating channels on YouTube.

While issuing directions, the bench said Google LLC is duty-bound in law to ensure strict compliance with the entire statutory regime relating to intermediaries with which it is governed which includes IT Rules 2021.

The bench also directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure the disabling of access to content uploaded by the defendants.

The channels were identified as Bollywood Time, Bollywood Chingari, Bolly Station HD, Bollywood Station, Bollywood Shine, Bolly Pakora, Bolly Samosa, Bolly Ocean and Hollywood Stars.

The court further stated that if the plaintiff informs Google of any other video uploaded on YouTube that discusses Aaradhya’s health, it will immediately proceed to take down the video.

While passing directions on interim application by the Plaintiffs (Abhishek Bachchan and Aaradhya Bachchan), the court ruled in favour of the Plaintiffs.

On behalf of the Bachchans, Dayan Krishnan said that the reputation of a public person is easier to tarnish in the age of social media. In this case, it is resulting in a child having to suffer.

Aaradhya Bachchan was recently seen with Aishwarya Rai at the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.

Aaradhya has often been the subject of discussion on social media.

During Bob Biswas promotions in 2021, Abhishek Bachchan slammed those who attack his daughter on social media.

He had said: “While it’s completely unacceptable and something that I will not tolerate.

“I’m a public figure that’s fine, my daughter is out of bounds. If you have anything to say, come and say it to my face.”