The Delhi High Court on Thursday raised concerns regarding the “defamatory language” used by YouTuber Mohak Mangal in his allegations of “extortion” against news agency Asian News International (ANI). The court was hearing a defamation suit filed by ANI against the YouTuber following a video uploaded by Mangal titled “Dear ANI.”
In the video, Mangal accused ANI of extortion and blackmail, stating that the news agency issued copyright strikes on his YouTube channel for using short clips of their content and demanded ₹40 lakh to resolve the issue. ANI, represented by Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, argued that Mangal had unlawfully used their copyrighted material and launched a “vilifying campaign” against the agency, using false narratives and defamatory language, even equating ANI’s actions to those of “Kolkata call scammers.”
During the proceedings, Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court viewed the disputed video and questioned the language used by Mangal, including terms like “hafta vasooli” (extortion) and “gundaraj.” The court orally remarked that such language appeared to be disparaging and suggested that Mangal’s counsel consider removing those sections of the video.
Senior Advocate Chander Lall, representing Mohak Mangal, argued that the use of short video excerpts fell under “fair use” and that his client had a right to expose alleged coercion by ANI. However, the court pressed for restraint in the language used.
The High Court orally directed Mohak Mangal to remove the “defamatory” portions from his video, observing that while a dispute might exist, defamatory content could not be justified. The court also instructed Google to submit the relevant terms and conditions concerning copyright strikes on YouTube.
The court is also addressing tweets made by comedian Kunal Kamra and AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair, who shared and supported Mangal’s allegations. The court directed Kunal Kamra to take down his tweet referring to ANI as “thugs” and “mafia,” while Mohammed Zubair agreed to delete his tweet.
The matter will be heard further after the court reviews whether the oral directions for taking down the content have been followed. ANI is seeking ₹2.10 crore in damages and a permanent injunction against Mangal and others from publishing further defamatory content.
Summary:-
- The Delhi High Court questioned YouTuber Mohak Mangal’s “defamatory language,” including terms like “extortion” and “gundaraj,” in his video alleging extortion by ANI.
- ANI filed a defamation suit against Mohak Mangal for his video claiming they demanded ₹40 lakh to resolve copyright strikes.
- The court orally directed Mohak Mangal to remove the defamatory portions of his video and also instructed Kunal Kamra and Mohammed Zubair to take down their related social media posts.
- The case revolves around allegations of extortion by ANI and the use of potentially defamatory language by the YouTuber and those who supported him.