Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Posts Against Gaurav Bhatia
Gaurav Bhatia says online posts falsely made it appear that he had insulted Swatantra Bhardwaj.
He says the posts used his photograph in an AI-generated graphic.
Bhatia took the matter to the Delhi High Court and sought ₹2 crore in damages.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka agreed to remove the disputed posts within 24 hours.
The court also issued summons to the people and organization named in the case.
The judge said people have a right to protest, but they should check facts and communicate carefully.
Bhatia may approach X and Meta if similar posts appear again.
The court has not yet decided whether Bhatia’s allegations are proved.
CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka undertook to remove disputed posts within 24 hours.
The posts allegedly used an AI-generated graphic to falsely attribute remarks about Swatantra Bhardwaj to Gaurav Bhatia.
Bhatia filed a ₹2-crore defamation suit seeking damages, injunctions, content removal and an unconditional apology.
The court said people may protest but should verify claims and express themselves clearly.
The court issued summons, allowed Bhatia to approach X and Meta, and directed X to provide account details within three weeks.
- Who
- BJP leader and senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party, and the Delhi High Court.
- What
- The court recorded undertakings to remove disputed posts, issued summons in Bhatia’s defamation suit, and set directions concerning future similar content.
- When
- The hearing took place on Thursday; the disputed post was published on September 5, and removal was directed within 24 hours.
- Where
- The case was heard in the Delhi High Court, and the disputed content was circulated on X.
- Why
- Bhatia alleges that an AI-generated graphic falsely attributed remarks to him and harmed his reputation.
Bhatia’s Position
Defendants’ and Platforms’ Positions
Nature of the content
Bhatia’s Position
Bhatia says an AI-generated graphic used his photograph and falsely portrayed him as calling Swatantra Bhardwaj “dimagi naxali” and “jaatiwaadi.”
Defendants’ and Platforms’ Positions
Das and Ranka undertook to remove the posts; the articles do not report a detailed denial of Bhatia’s allegations from them.
Removal and future content
Bhatia’s Position
Bhatia sought removal of the allegedly fabricated graphic and similar content from X and Meta, as well as injunctions and an apology.
Defendants’ and Platforms’ Positions
Meta said it could not proactively censor content without a specific basis or legal direction. The court allowed Bhatia to approach the platforms if similar or identical posts appeared.
Method of resolving the dispute
Bhatia’s Position
Bhatia pursued a ₹2-crore defamation suit and argued that the allegedly fabricated material was damaging his reputation.
Defendants’ and Platforms’ Positions
The court suggested voluntary removal, said there are different ways to protest, and observed that claims should be expressed more clearly and verified.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Judge
- Justice Tushar Rao Gedela
- Plaintiff
- Gaurav Bhatia
- Defamation claim
- ₹2 crore
- Removal deadline
- Within 24 hours
- Reported reach
- More than 1.32 lakh views
- Platform directions
- X may provide Basic Subscriber Information within three weeks; Bhatia may approach X and Meta over similar posts
Sources
Gaurav Bhatia Defamation Case: CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Undertake To Take Down Posts
CJP leaders agree to remove AI-generated post attributed to Gaurav Bhatia; Delhi HC issues summons
‘Will take down posts against Gaurav Bhatia in 24 hrs’: CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka to Delhi HC
