Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is the target of a complaint filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has summoned him to court in Delhi. The case is based on videos that Rathee posted throughout the election season criticizing the party.
Suresh Karmasheel Nakhwa, a BJP spokesperson, filed a defamation suit against Rathee, claiming that his videos contained offensive language and might promote violence. Rathee is accused in the accusation of unfairly attacking the media during the election.
This legal action comes after the Maharashtra police earlier this month launched a separate complaint against Rathee.
Videos released by Rathee are said to have revealed corruption and other irregularities within the BJP during the election campaign.
Concerns about potential measures to stifle freedom of expression have been voiced by a few Indian journalists on the actions taken against Rathee and other content creators.
Additionally, the Indian government implemented social media limitations last month, which some saw as going against the fundamentals of free expression.
Indian media reports claim that the government is using a variety of tactics to put pressure on foreign and indigenous journalists.Additionally, the Indian government implemented social media limitations last month, which some saw as going against the fundamentals of free expression.
Indian media reports claim that the government is using a variety of tactics to put pressure on foreign and indigenous journalists.