Google Withholds Dhruv Rathee Video in India, Tells Delhi HC

NEW DELHI — Tech giant Google informed the Delhi High Court on August 11, 2026, that it has withheld a YouTube video uploaded by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee within India. The step was taken following a mandatory directive issued on July 15 by the Union Government's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) under the Information Technology Rules, after allegations that the content hurt religious sentiments and made derogatory statements regarding Hindu deities.

The submission was made before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma during the hearing of a petition filed by Advocate Amita Sachdeva, who sought the complete removal of the video. While the video has been blocked for viewers in India, Google clarified that a global injunction remains pending before a division bench of the court.

Legal Proceedings and Background of the Petition

The court proceedings stem from a petition filed by lawyer Amita Sachdeva concerning a video uploaded on YouTube on March 21, 2026, titled "Can Hindus Eat BEEF? | Kerala Story 2 EXPOSED". The petitioner alleged that the video contained false, misleading, and communally sensitive statements regarding Hindu deities, including Bhagwan Shri Ram, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, and Sita Devi.

According to court filings, Sachdeva initially approached YouTube’s Resident Grievance Officer under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules seeking immediate removal of the video. After the platform's grievance officer indicated an inability to identify violations of community guidelines, the petitioner filed an appeal before the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee on March 27.

On July 3, the Delhi High Court directed the GAC to decide on the appeal within 15 days. Consequently, the GAC issued an order on July 15 directing Google to take down the video within 24 hours.

Position of Google and the Union Government

Counsel representing Google told the High Court that the platform acted in compliance with the GAC directive by restricting access to the video in India. The tech company noted that withholding the video globally was not executed because the broader issue of issuing global takedown orders is currently under consideration before a division bench.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Central Government, submitted that once content is ordered removed due to legal objections, the takedown should apply broadly to prevent re-uploading or bypass attempts across digital platforms.

During the hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the issue regarding a global injunction is pending before the higher division bench, noting that the platform had complied with local orders. The court subsequently adjourned further hearing on the petition until September 3, 2026.

Official Sources Section

According to official filings before the Delhi High Court, government releases from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and regulatory documentation under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, social media intermediaries are subject to binding compliance orders issued by the Grievance Appellate Committee.

Official details regarding digital governance standards can be reviewed via the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, regulatory frameworks on the Ministry of Law and Justice, and court proceedings at the official portal of the Delhi High Court.

Official Statements and Quotes

According to officials present during the proceedings, the Central Government emphasized uniform enforcement across online platforms.

"Issue regarding the global injunction is already pending before the division bench. Whatever they could do, they have already done," stated Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma while hearing the submissions.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma stated, "Once a video has been objected to, then the order must apply across the board. Otherwise the baton will be passed from a to b, then b to c, and c to d".

Why It Matters

This case highlights the evolving regulatory enforcement mechanism for online video content and social media platforms in India. By leveraging the statutory authority of the Grievance Appellate Committee, the government has established an operational appellate route for citizens dissatisfied with automated or initial platform moderation decisions.

The pending division bench decision on global injunctions also holds significant implications for tech platforms, content creators, and digital rights, determining whether Indian courts can order worldwide takedowns or restrict enforcement to national boundaries.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Content Withheld: Dhruv Rathee’s YouTube video titled "Can Hindus Eat BEEF? | Kerala Story 2 EXPOSED" has been blocked in India.

• Regulatory Order: Action was taken pursuant to a July 15 directive from the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC).

• Territorial Scope: The video is withheld for viewers within India, while global blocking remains pending before a High Court division bench.

• Next Hearing Date: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has adjourned the matter to September 3, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why was Dhruv Rathee’s YouTube video withheld in India?

Google withheld the video in response to a binding order issued on July 15 by the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) following allegations that the content insulted Hindu deities and hurt religious sentiments.

Has the video been removed globally by YouTube?

No, the video has been withheld specifically within India. Google informed the court that the issue regarding global injunctions is pending before a division bench of the Delhi High Court.

What is the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC)?

The GAC is an appellate body established by the Central Government under the Information Technology Rules to hear user appeals against decisions made by social media platforms' grievance officers.

When will the Delhi High Court hear the case next?

The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing on the petition for September 3, 2026.

Source: Official court submissions before the Delhi High Court, regulatory directives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and statutory notices under the Information Technology Rules. Additional financial and policy context available through the Ministry of Finance.