The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has ordered Google and Meta to remove defamatory and objectionable videos targeting spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The court directed both companies to ensure the content is taken down within 48 hours, emphasizing the protection of personal reputation and public morality.

The ruling follows a petition highlighting that several online videos contained misleading, offensive, and harmful content, which could damage the spiritual leader’s image and misinform the public. The court stressed that digital platforms have a responsibility to act promptly against such content to prevent the spread of defamation and protect individuals from online harassment.

Legal experts note that this order underscores the growing accountability of social media platforms and search engines in moderating content that violates personal rights. The directive also serves as a precedent for faster judicial intervention in cases of online defamation, especially against public figures or spiritual leaders.

Google and Meta were instructed to not only remove the objectionable content but also implement measures to prevent its re-uploading. The court emphasized that timely compliance is crucial to uphold the legal rights of affected individuals and maintain trust in digital platforms.

This decision reflects the judiciary’s proactive approach in addressing challenges posed by digital content and social media misuse. By holding major tech companies accountable, the Allahabad High Court aims to balance freedom of expression with the protection of personal reputation, ensuring that online spaces remain safe and respectful.

The directive also signals to digital platforms the importance of robust content moderation policies and adherence to legal orders, highlighting their role in preventing the spread of harmful or defamatory material in India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.