Today, the single bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh of Delhi High Court directed news channels including Sudarshan News and social media platforms like YouTube, Google and Twitter to block links of news reports accusing a Muslim man of forcefully converting a woman to Islam

The bench was hearing a plea moved by one Azmat Ali Khan seeking the removal of news items and videos published on online platforms in respect of an FIR lodged against him on April 19 by a Delhi-based woman accusing him of forced religious conversion.

It was Khan’s case that the allegations against him are under investigation by Delhi Police and the circulation of the videos is posing a great threat to the independent probe as well as his safety and security.

During the hearing, Google submitted that since the FIR has already been registered, the originators of the videos ought to be heard in the matter.

On the contrary, the counsel appearing for the Press Council of India submitted that Khan’s email dated May 9 consisting of the links to news reports will be looked into.

To this, the court held that the council only looks into the matters which are published and not those which are uploaded on websites.

After considering all the facts and evidence, the Court issued notice to the respondents including Youtube, Google, Twitter, Sudarshan TV, Orissa TV, Bharat Prakashan and Suresh Chavhanke.

“Considering that there is severe threat as is evident from the comments placed before the court, it is directed that the links set out in the petition shall be immediately blocked for public viewing,” the court said.