Social media can't be used to malign judiciary (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has observed that social media platforms cannot be used to malign the judiciary or interfere with its independence, asserting that online intermediaries cannot remain “silent spectators” when objectionable content is circulated on their platforms.
The court made the remarks while hearing a plea filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), which sought criminal contempt proceedings against social media user Dr Kapil Kakar over videos allegedly targeting a high court judge.
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A vacation bench comprising Justices Neena Bansal Krishna and Madhu Jain issued a notice to Kakar on the contempt petition and described the allegations made in the videos as “absolutely scandalous” and a direct interference with the justice delivery system.
Social media cannot be used to malign the judiciary or interfere with its independence, the Delhi High Court has ruled. The court ordered platforms to remove objectionable content and stressed that fair criticism is allowed, but baseless allegations against judges are not.… pic.twitter.com/ob4W6KqFOu
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) June 10, 2026
The High Court directed major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X, to remove the offending content, delete related links and block the accounts responsible for uploading or sharing the material.
The court further instructed platforms to take down any additional URLs carrying similar content within 24 hours of being notified by the High Court Registrar General.
While emphasising the importance of free expression, the court clarified that fair criticism of judicial orders and institutions is permissible under the law.
However, it noted that making baseless allegations against judges or attributing improper motives to them does not qualify as legitimate criticism. According to the court, such actions can undermine public confidence in the judiciary and interfere with the administration of justice.
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The High Court underlined that social media companies have a legal obligation to act once they become aware of unlawful content on their platforms. It said intermediaries cannot simply wait for court orders and must take prompt action to remove content that threatens institutions or individuals.
The court also directed the platforms to submit subscriber details, IP logs and registration information linked to the accounts involved in disseminating the content.
The case stems from videos allegedly holding a Delhi High Court judge responsible for a building collapse in Saidulajab last month that claimed six lives. The matter will be heard further after responses are filed.
