The Delhi High Court has instructed X Corp and Google Inc. to remove allegedly defamatory social media posts targeting Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer Anjali Birla, daughter of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Justice Navin Chawla issued an interim order restraining unknown parties from further posting, circulating, or commenting on the contentious content.
Restraining orders on defamatory content
Justice Navin Chawla issued an order restraining unknown parties from posting, circulating, or tweeting the defamatory content mentioned in Anjali Birla's defamation suit. The court mandated the removal of the defamatory posts within 24 hours and allowed Anjali Birla to notify X Corp and Google of any similar content for further action.
Allegations and legal proceedings
Birla's defamation suit challenges posts alleging she passed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam and became an IAS officer in her first attempt due to her father's influence. Her legal team, led by senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, argued that the posts were defamatory and intended to damage her reputation and that of her family.
The court was informed that similar allegations had previously been investigated and dismissed. Birla has also filed a complaint with the cyber crime department. The suit names X Corp, Google, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and unspecified parties as defendants.
Details of the defamation suit
Anjali Birla's defamation suit seeks the removal of posts alleging she cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in her first attempt due to her father's influence. Her counsel clarified that she was selected from the 2019 consolidated reserve list and subsequently joined Indian Railways as an IRPS officer.
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