The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the immediate removal of online posts linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, observing that a prima facie case had been made out in her favour.
Hearing a defamation plea filed by Himayani Puri, the court ordered that all “impugned content” identified in the petition be taken down without delay. The bench said that if the material is not removed immediately, intermediary platforms must ensure its removal within 24 hours.
The court clarified that the present order applies to content available within Indian jurisdiction and issued summons to the defendants, including intermediary platforms. The bench directed all parties to file their responses within two weeks.
Court finds prima facie case, balance of convenience in petitioner’s favour
During the hearing, the court noted that the balance of convenience lies with the petitioner, warranting interim relief while the matter undergoes further examination. Appearing for Himayani Puri, counsel argued that the allegations were part of an “orchestrated attack” intended to damage her reputation.
“The actual nature of false imputation is association with a convicted criminal. I have none,” the counsel told the court, adding that the petitioner believes the claims may have been motivated by political malice because she is the daughter of a cabinet minister.
The court was also informed that specific URLs had been identified in the plea and that action was being sought against them.
Global takedown request debated
Counsel for Himayani Puri told the court that the allegedly defamatory posts had caused reputational harm beyond India, noting that she lives and works in New York as a financial professional.
“I am a financial fiduciary and banker and investor there, so there is a global reputation to protect,” the counsel submitted while seeking a global takedown of the content.
However, senior advocate Arvind Datar told the court that the question of global takedown orders is already pending before a division bench.
“We can take down only within India. On global, we have taken a stand that we cannot do it globally and we are contesting the issue,” he said. Counsel appearing for Meta also raised concerns about jurisdiction, arguing that global enforcement of such an order would raise complex legal issues for international platforms.
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Lawyers representing some journalists told the court that there is a global investigation related to Epstein and argued that journalistic freedom must be protected, adding that certain posts and videos merely raised questions based on publicly discussed claims.
The court clarified that the issue of global removal of the content remains open and will be considered after the parties submit their responses. “For the time being, it will be for the content in India,” the bench said.
Key directions by the Delhi High Court
Immediate removal of posts linking Himayani Puri to Jeffrey Epstein
Platforms must remove the flagged content within 24 hours if not taken down immediately
Order currently applies to content accessible within India
Defendants and platforms directed to file replies within two weeks
Issue of global takedown kept open for further hearing
