Delhi High Court Hears Ramdev’s Personality Rights Suit; Platforms Raise Free Speech Concerns

Social media platforms X and Meta told the Delhi High Court that Baba Ramdev’s personality rights suit seeks the removal of parody, satire, political commentary, and news reports, raising concerns over free speech.

The platforms argued that such content is protected expression and cannot be injuncted merely on personality rights claims. While most flagged URLs on X were removed, intermediaries opposed any global blocking or dynamic injunctions. 

Justice Jyoti Singh clarified that no dynamic injunction was being considered and directed Ramdev to submit a specific list of content for review. Ramdev’s suit seeks protection of his name, image, voice and persona, alleging misuse through deepfakes and disparaging content.

The matter will be heard next on February 18.