[Isha Foundation’s Defamation Suit] YouTuber Shyam Singh Informs Delhi HC Regarding Video Takedown

In the ongoing defamation suit filed by Isha Foundation, YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh informed the Delhi High Court that the video titled "Sadhguru EXPOSED: What’s happening in Jaggi Vasudev’s Ashram?" was taken down.

The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh listed the matter before the Registrar on July 8, 2025, and scheduled it for further hearing before the court on September 9, 2025.

The court, in an order dated March 12, 2025, had restrained YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh from using any media outlet or social media platform to publish libelous, misleading, or disparaging content against the Isha Foundation. The court further directed YouTube to take down the video.

In the recent hearing, the advocates representing Google and YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh informed the court that the impugned videos had already been removed.

The Foundation had argued that the content was part of a false and motivated propaganda campaign that unjustly maligned the trust and its founder. Upon reviewing the video and its transcripts, the court held that the material was defamatory and significantly affected the Foundation’s public image. The Foundation, represented by Senior Advocate Manik Dogra, claimed that the material in question formed part of a false and motivated propaganda campaign that unjustly harmed its reputation.

The court, in its judgment, emphasized the constitutional principle that the right to reputation is an essential aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It noted that while freedom of speech and expression must be upheld, it must be balanced against the right to reputation, which forms a core component of an individual's dignity.

Referring to the video’s wide circulation—with over nine lakh views and significant public engagement—the court expressed concern over the potential for lasting reputational harm. It held that continued dissemination of such content could lead to irreparable damage to the Foundation, which could not be adequately compensated through monetary relief.

Consequently, the court stated that the balance of convenience lay in restraining the defendant from reposting or uploading the same video on any media or social media platform. It concluded that the urgent removal of the video was necessary to prevent further injury to the Plaintiff’s reputation, affirming the need to safeguard both constitutional rights and individual dignity in the digital age.

For Plaintiff: Senior Advocate Manik Dogra with Advocates Simranjeet Singh, Gautam Talukdar, Pushpaveni Kakkaje, Rohit Gandhi, Rishabh Pant and Yajat Gulia

For Defendant: Advocates Asavari Jain and Aditya Gupta

Case Title: Isha Foundation v Google LLC (CS(OS) 159/2025)