New Delhi: A Delhi court has summoned YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua. Nakhua has alleged that Rathee defamed him by calling him a “violent and abusive” troll. According to a report by Bar and Bench, District Judge Gunjan Gupta of Delhi’s Saket Court issued the summons on July 19. The next hearing is scheduled for August 6. The court has directed that the summons be served to Rathee through speed post, courier and electronic means. Advocates Raghav Awasthi and Mukesh Sharma appeared for BJP leader Nakhua in the court.
Delhi court issues summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Suresh Nakhua after Rathee allegedly called him a “violent and abusive” troll.@dhruv_rathee @SureshNakhua #Defamation pic.twitter.com/J1pvk8OtuA
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) July 24, 2024
The controversy stems from a video posted by Rathi on his YouTube channel on July 7, 2024, titled “My Reply to Gody YouTubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathi.” Following the release of this video, Nakhua objected to its content, claiming that the allegations made by Rathi led to criticism and ridicule of him. Nakhua has argued that the allegations made in the video are baseless and have been made with malicious intent. He said that these claims not only cast doubts on his character but also tarnish the respect he has earned in society. According to Nakhua, the long-term consequences of Rathi’s video may significantly reduce the public’s trust in him. In his complaint, Nakhua emphasised that the video has caused irreparable damage to both his personal and professional life, the effects of which may never be fully mitigated.
YouTuber and social media influencer Dhruv Rathee has been involved in several controversies over the past few years. His critical comments on political and social issues have often landed him in trouble. The biggest controversy arose in 2020 when Rathee faced criticism for his videos criticising the Indian government for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His criticisms were seen by some as overly harsh and politically motivated, leading to allegations of him spreading misinformation. In addition, Rathee has also been embroiled in controversies with other content creators and politicians, who have accused him of bias and misrepresentation.
