Dhruv Rathee’s Video On Hindu Deities Withheld In India After Centre’s Order

A YouTube video by Dhruv Rathee, which allegedly claimed that Hindu deities Ram, Seeta and Krishna consumed meat and alcohol, has been withheld in India following an order by the Centre’s Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), Google told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday. The development came during a hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who was hearing a plea seeking action against the video over allegations that it hurt religious sentiments. Google said the video remains accessible outside India, while the question of global removal is pending before a Division Bench.

Google’s counsel informed the court that the video was restricted in India after the GAC directed its removal. The committee is a government-established body that hears appeals against decisions taken by social media platforms and other online intermediaries over complaints concerning online content.

The GAC’s action followed an earlier direction from Justice Sharma asking the Centre to decide a complaint filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva within 15 days.