Mon May 12 16:45:31 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai Court Orders Removal of Defamatory YouTube Videos Targeting Maharashtra Minister
**MUMBAI, May 12, 2025** – The Bombay High Court has ordered the removal of six YouTube videos deemed defamatory towards Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan. The videos, produced by journalists Anil Thatte and Shyam Giri on their respective channels, “Anil Gaganbhedi Thatte” and “Mudda Bharat Ka,” were found to contain “prima facie defamatory” statements by Justice Arif Doctor.
The court’s May 8th order, made public on Monday, restrains Thatte and Giri from publishing similar content. The judge noted Thatte’s failure to appear in court to justify the claims made in the videos, which were uploaded between April 1st and 14th, 2025. Minister Mahajan’s lawyer, Ravi Kadam, argued the videos contained false and reckless statements that had been widely disseminated.
The court has instructed the YouTubers to immediately delete the videos and has ordered Mahajan to notify Google LLC to ensure compliance. The case has been adjourned until June 20th.
First Piper 