Aaradhya Bachchan Files Petition, Delhi HC Issues Notice to Google: Know the Reason

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Google, BollywoodTime and several other platforms in response to a petition filed by Aaradhya Bachchan, the daughter of Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The petition seeks swift legal action to address the circulation of misleading content about her in the media. During the hearing, Justice Mini Pushkarna acknowledged that some defendants, referred to as "vitiators and uploaders," have yet to appear in court. As a result, their right to defend themselves has been forfeited. The court has set the next hearing for March 17.

This legal move highlights the Bachchan family’s dedication to protecting the privacy and well-being of their young daughter. In a similar case in April 2023, the Delhi High Court had restrained YouTube channels from spreading false information about Aaradhya’s health. The court emphasized that every child, whether a celebrity’s child or not, deserves respect and dignity. The circulation of misleading information about a child’s physical and mental health was deemed illegal. In that ruling, the court ordered YouTube to immediately remove 24 videos containing false information about Aaradhya. Additionally, the platform was instructed to provide the plaintiffs with the contact details of those responsible for uploading defamatory content. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was also directed to ensure these videos were inaccessible online.

The current petition for a summary judgment demonstrates the Bachchan family’s ongoing efforts to fight false and defamatory media content about Aaradhya. The outcome of the March 17 hearing will be crucial in determining the legal measures to protect the privacy and reputation of minors in the public eye. This case also highlights the growing problem of misinformation in the digital age, particularly when it involves minors. It underscores the need for stricter regulations and accountability for digital platforms to prevent the spread of harmful and false information that can damage reputations and well-being. As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on finding a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals, especially minors, from harmful content. The court’s decisions in this case could set important precedents for future cases involving similar issues.