‘Was wearing shorts’: BJP leader moves HC seeking removal of social media posts on his TV appearance

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Gaurav Bhatia has moved the Delhi High Court seeking that allegedly defamatory social media posts about his appearance on a television news show earlier this month should be removed, Bar and Bench reported.

Bhatia had appeared on a News18 programme hosted by journalist Amish Devgan, during which a camera shot showed him wearing a kurta without pyjamas or pants. The video clip was circulated widely on social media.

Justice Amit Bansal, who heard the matter, said the court would examine the material and pass orders on Thursday.

The judge clarified that while he will pass orders against defamatory posts making references to Bhatia’s private parts, satirical or sarcastic content would not be restricted.

Advocate Raghav Awasthi, appearing for Bhatia, said that the BJP leader had been wearing shorts and that the cameraperson had mistakenly shown the lower half of his body, Bar and Bench reported.

He argued that the posts violated Bhatia’s privacy and urged the court to order their removal.

Bhatia, who also appeared in person, submitted before court that persons on social media cannot be allowed to use derogatory words concerning his appearance on TV.

Awasthi’s counsel added that the image had been “taken in the privacy” of Bhatia’s home and should not have been circulated without his consent, PTI reported.

The judge, however, verbally remarked that individuals in...

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