In a significant ruling on May 8, 2025, the Bombay High Court directed the removal of six allegedly defamatory YouTube videos aimed at Maharashtra’s Water Resources Minister and senior BJP leader, Girish Mahajan. The Court also issued a temporary injunction restraining two content creators from publishing or circulating similar material, pending the final outcome of a defamation suit filed by Mahajan.
Justice Arif Doctor, presiding over the case, granted ad-interim relief after observing that the videos in question appeared prima facie defamatory. The judge noted that the defendants—YouTubers Anil Thatte and Shyam Giri—had not responded to the Court’s notices or defended their actions, strengthening the case for urgent intervention.
According to the civil suit filed by Mahajan, six videos released between April 1 and April 14, 2025, made false, malicious, and damaging allegations. Five of these were published on a channel run by Thatte titled “Anil Gaganbhedi Thatte”, while the sixth was shared on Giri’s channel “Mudda Bharat Ka”.
One particularly controversial video, “How Girish Mahajan’s Nights are Colourful”, allegedly contained baseless insinuations involving a senior IAS officer. Another titled “Girish Mahajan wants 100 Crores…” implied financial misconduct and mocked legal action being pursued by the minister.
Despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice on April 10, Thatte went on to publish an additional video with similarly defamatory content on April 14.
Senior Advocate Ravi Kadam, appearing on behalf of Mahajan, emphasized that the minister has been a respected Member of the Legislative Assembly since 1995 and that such reckless and sensationalist videos could cause serious damage to his public image. Kadam argued that the continued posting of defamatory content, even after legal warnings, reflected a disregard for legal norms.
The Court also allowed the amendment of the plaint to include Google LLC, which operates the YouTube platform, as a party to ensure enforcement of the takedown order. A previously impleaded party was removed upon clarification.
Justice Doctor directed that all six videos be removed and barred the defendants from publishing further defamatory material. Mahajan is required to serve the order on Google LLC for prompt compliance.
The case will be heard next on June 20, 2025.
