The Bombay High Court ordered social media platform X to remove a video defaming Serum Institute and Adar Poonawalla, violating an interim injunction in a ₹100-crore defamation suit.
Bombay HC enforces interim order against social media content
The Bombay High Court has directed X Corp (formerly Twitter) to remove a video posted by influencer Yohan Tengra that allegedly defames the Serum Institute of India and its CEO, Adar Poonawalla. Justice Gauri Godse held that the video violated an earlier interim injunction issued in a ₹100-crore defamation suit initiated by the pharmaceutical company and its executive.
The Court also issued a show-cause notice under Order XXXIX Rule 2A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, to assess contempt for deliberate disobedience of the injunction. The petitioners argued that the video contained false and inflammatory claims about vaccine safety, aimed at maligning their reputation and influencing public perception during a sensitive public health context.
This ruling reaffirms judicial authority over digital platforms and content creators. It also clarifies the enforceability of injunctions against third-party intermediaries under Indian civil procedure. The case serves as a cautionary note to social media users and platforms regarding the dissemination of unverified content involving public figures and essential health institutions.
Citations
- Serum Institute of India v. Yohan Tengra & Ors.
