Thu May 29 16:38:38 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Orders YouTuber to Remove Defamatory Portions of Video Targeting ANI

**NEW DELHI, May 29, 2025** – The Delhi High Court today directed YouTuber Mohak Mangal to remove specific sections of his video criticizing news agency ANI, ruling that his language was excessively disparaging and potentially defamatory. The video, titled “Dear ANI,” which was published on May 25, 2025, accused ANI of “extortion,” “gunda raj,” and “kidnapping” in response to copyright strikes issued against content creators.

Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over a defamation suit filed by ANI, stated the videos were “disparaging on the face of it” and questioned Mr. Mangal’s justification for using such harsh language. He specifically challenged the use of terms like “extortion,” considering Mr. Mangal acknowledged using ANI’s copyrighted content for monetization without obtaining a license.

The case also involves Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair and stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who were sued for amplifying Mr. Mangal’s views. Zubair agreed to remove one of his posts on X (formerly Twitter) related to the issue. While Kamra agreed to remove one of his multiple posts, his counsel argued that as a satirist and advocate for free speech, his content should be considered within that context.

Justice Bansal acknowledged the importance of satire but found the use of terms like “mafia” and “thugs” unacceptable. “Satire is great,” he remarked, “But the phrases you used are ‘mafia’, ‘thugs’… I am all for free speech, but if you are calling someone thugs, this is not Ok.”

ANI, in its petition, argued that Mr. Mangal’s video has negatively impacted its reputation, credibility, and business operations, leading to online harassment and adverse public reactions. The agency also highlighted Mr. Mangal’s admitted use of copyrighted ANI content for profit.

The court’s decision underscores the line between free speech and defamation, particularly in the context of online content creation and copyright enforcement. The case is ongoing.

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