UPSC Exam Allegations: Delhi HC Directs Removal of Defamatory Posts About Anjali Birla

UPSC Exam Allegations: Delhi HC Directs Removal of Defamatory Posts About Anjali Birla

New Delhi, July 23, 2024 - The Delhi High Court has directed X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Google Inc. to remove social media posts deemed defamatory against Anjali Birla, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer and daughter of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The directive was issued by Justice Navin Chawla on July 23, 2024.

Background and Context

Anjali Birla has been the subject of various social media posts alleging that her successful clearance of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in her first attempt was influenced by her father's prominent position. These posts have been a source of significant distress for her, prompting her to file a defamation suit seeking their removal.

Court's Decision

Justice Navin Chawla not only ordered the removal of the posts but also restrained unknown parties from posting, circulating, or retweeting the alleged defamatory content. The court specified that the intermediaries (X Corp and Google) must remove the content within 24 hours of the order. Should any additional defamatory posts come to light, Anjali Birla is to inform the intermediaries, who must act promptly to remove them.

Legal Proceedings

The high court also issued a notice to the following parties:

·        X Corp

·        Google

·        Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

·        Unknown parties involved in the defamation

These entities are required to respond to the suit within four weeks.

Claims and Defamation Suit

Anjali Birla's legal counsel clarified that she appeared for the UPSC Central Services Exam (CSE) and was selected in the consolidated reserve list of 2019. Following her selection, she joined the Indian Railways as an IRPS officer. The posts in question falsely alleged that her success was due to her father's influence, which led her to seek legal recourse to protect her reputation.

Broader Implications

This case underscores the growing concern over the misuse of social media platforms for defamation and the legal responsibilities of intermediaries in monitoring and removing such content. The court's swift action highlights the judiciary's stance on protecting individuals from baseless and damaging allegations online.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court's decision marks a significant step in the fight against online defamation, particularly for individuals in public service. The removal of the defamatory posts not only aims to restore Anjali Birla's reputation but also serves as a warning to those who use social media to spread unfounded allegations.

This order sets a precedent for future cases involving online defamation and the role of intermediaries in maintaining the integrity of digital platforms.