Google: Rathee's YouTube clip 'defamatory', blocked in India

NEW DELHI: Global search engine Google told Delhi HC Tuesday that it had withheld in India a "defamatory" YouTube video of social media influencer Dhruv Rathee that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.Google told a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma that the action was taken pursuant to a directive issued by Centre's grievance appellate committee. The issue of global blocking was pending before an HC division bench, it submitted.The petitioner, advocate Amita Sachdeva, argued this was "partial compliance". Sachdeva claimed Rathee uploaded a video on March 21 with "false, misleading and provocative statements insulting Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Goddess Sita". It got millions of views.The petitioner said on July 15, the committee directed Google to take down the video within 24 hours, but the platform failed to do so. "The issue regarding global injunction is already pending before the division bench. Whatever they could do, they have already done," Justice Sharma said, and adjourned the hearing to Sept 3.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.