A Delhi court has summoned YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in connection with a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua. The controversy arises from Rathee’s video, in which he allegedly referred to Nakhua as a “violent and abusive” troll.
The summons was issued by District Judge Gunjan Gupta of the Saket Court on July 19. Additionally, the court has issued a notice to Rathee regarding Nakhua’s plea for interim relief, setting the next hearing date for August 6.
In his plea, Nakhua, a spokesperson for the BJP’s Mumbai unit, claimed that Rathee’s video, uploaded on July 7, made bold and unsubstantiated accusations against him. Nakhua argued that these allegations were baseless and damaging to his reputation.
Nakhua’s complaint states, “This video is a deliberate attempt to tarnish my integrity and reputation by making baseless accusations and malicious connections. These false allegations have far-reaching consequences, impacting both my personal and professional life, and leaving lasting damage.”
The court’s order stated: “Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application under Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants by all modes, including electronic, for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed.”
The case highlights the ongoing tension between public figures and content creators on social media platforms, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech and defamation.
