Ravish Kumar Files Petition Challenging Government Order to Remove Content Critical of Adani, Alleging SLAPP and Violation of Free Speech

Journalist Ravish Kumar has moved the Delhi High Court contesting a Central Government directive issued September 16 requiring removal of videos on Gautam Adani and his companies from Kumar’s YouTube channel, claiming they are defamatory. The order was based on a September 6 trial court injunction in a defamation suit by Adani Enterprises Ltd., which also restrained unnamed John Doe defendants. Though on September 18 an appellate court partially stayed the injunction for several journalists, the directive to John Doe defendants stands. Kumar argues the government’s action amounts to a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aimed at suppressing journalistic critique, and constitutes unconstitutional executive overreach lacking statutory basis, due process, or respect for separation of powers. He maintains it constitutes a prior restraint on free expression. A similar petition has been filed by Newslaundry. The matter is set before Justice Sachin Datta on September 22