Mon Dec 02 15:06:28 UTC 2024: ## Google CEO Sundar Pichai Faces Contempt Notice in India Over YouTube Defamation Case
**Mumbai, India –** Google CEO Sundar Pichai is facing a contempt of court notice in India over YouTube’s failure to remove a defamatory video. A Mumbai court issued the notice on November 21st, citing the company’s non-compliance with a March 31st Bombay High Court order demanding the removal of the video titled “Pakhandi Baba ki Kartut.”
The video, allegedly targeting the Dhyan Foundation, an animal welfare NGO, and its founder, Yogi Ashwini, contains defamatory and obscene content, according to the Foundation. The NGO claims the video has severely damaged its reputation and filed a contempt plea in October 2023.
Google, invoking immunity under the Information Technology (IT) Act, argued that defamation isn’t grounds for content removal under Section 69-A. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that the IT Act doesn’t prevent criminal courts from intervening in such cases.
The Dhyan Foundation’s lawyer, Raju Gupta, alleges Google employed delaying tactics. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2025. This latest legal challenge adds to Google’s ongoing battles in Indian courts.
First Piper 