The Delhi High Court today took a serious exception to a report carried by a News containing allegations of forceful conversion against a man named Azmat Ali Khan and ordered the channel for the removal of the video immediately.
Moreover, it displeasures at the report being carried on a matter that was under investigation by the Delhi Police for the use of the words like ‘Jihadi’ in the programme.
Justice Prathiba M Singh took note of the threatening comments that were made under the video and observed that it poses a danger to Khan’s safety & security.
Therefore, the court ordered that News channels as well as social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and government authorities to immediately block the video from public viewing.
The court ordered that “Considering that there is a severe threat as is evident from the comments, it is directed that the links which have been set out shall be immediately blocked for public viewing.”
Justice Singh underlined, “It is a question of his security. If they ( News Channel) don’t block it, you (social media platforms) block it. My directions are clear. It (the video) has to be blocked by everybody”.
Justice Singh dealt with a plea filed by Khan stating that a woman with whom he was in a romantic relationship for nearly 7 years alleged that he tried to convert her to Islam.
On those allegations, the counsel stated that the Delhi Police registered an FIR against him but court granted him anticipatory bail in the matter.
Also, a video was also being played in the court and the counsel stated that the channel’s reporters were harassing Khan and his family. He further said that many news channels held a debate on the issue last night.
The counsel appeared for the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) and said that it can’t take any action in the case because that particular News channel is not its member. The Press Council of India (PCI) also said that it can’t take action on videos on YouTube and other platforms.
After observing the case, Justice Singh passed the order to take down/block the video. The bench also issued a notice to several social media platforms.
Also, the Court issued notice to the Delhi Police and asked it to file a status report in the matter. The Delhi Police was also asked to contact the complainant and intimate her about the proceedings.
The case will now be considered on May 23.
