Delhi court orders removal of objectionable content about Tabu
NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Tabu has received relief from the Delhi High Court in a personality rights case, with the court directing several websites and online platforms to remove content deemed objectionable by the actress. According to Indian media reports, Tabu had approached the court, arguing that the material available on various websites and digital platforms violated her personality rights and was defamatory and obscene. Justice Jyoti Singh, while hearing the petition represented by senior advocate Swati Sukumar, directed multiple social media platforms, e-commerce listings and websites to remove the allegedly objectionable content. Various scenes from Tabu’s films were also discussed during the hearing. Tabu’s lawyer told the court that certain video clips were being promoted using search terms that portrayed the actress in an inappropriate manner. Some scenes, the lawyer said, had been slowed down or given altered titles to create a sexualised impression. Sukumar argued that the repeated appearance of such material through new accounts and posts made the issue more serious than an ordinary copyright or content infringement dispute. During the hearing, counsel representing an online platform referred to another personality rights case being heard by the court on the same day. The lawyer suggested that personality rights proceedings could sometimes be used to seek removal of allegedly defamatory material. The court observed that the legal questions raised in Tabu’s case could have wider implications beyond the present matter. Justice Jyoti Singh said that highly harmful material may require a mechanism capable of preventing such content from appearing online in the first place. The court also examined the safeguards currently used by online platforms, including automated content detection systems, in-app complaint mechanisms and grievance redressal procedures under the Information Technology Rules. Justice Singh observed that the key challenge was not simply the formulation or implementation of policy, but the creation of an effective system capable of preventing objectionable material from being uploaded at the initial stage. The court said an amicus curiae would be appointed to assist it in examining the broader legal questions involved in the case. The proceedings will also identify related legal issues that may require detailed consideration at a later stage. The court further indicated that it would consider developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for dealing with similar cases involving harmful or objectionable online content.