Dhruv Rathe Summoned By Delhi Court In Defamation Suit Filed By BJP Leader

A Delhi court has issued a summon to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in response to a defamation lawsuit filed by Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mumbai unit. The case revolves around claims made by Nakhua that Rathee labeled him a “violent and abusive” troll in one of his YouTube videos.

District Judge Gunjan Gupta of the Saket Court issued the summons on July 19. The court has also issued a notice to Rathee regarding Nakhua’s plea for interim relief and scheduled a hearing for August 6.

Rathee's video titled “My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee,” uploaded on July 7, 2024, is at the center of the dispute. Nakhua claims that Rathee labeled him as a “violent and abusive” troll, alleging that these statements are baseless and damaging to his reputation.

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The court’s order directed that the summons and notice be served through various methods, including personal delivery, registered mail, and electronic means.

"Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes i.e. PF & RC/Speed Post/ Approved Courier including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed," the court said in its order as reported by Bar and Bench.

The lawsuit argues that Rathee's video made provocative and unsubstantiated claims about Nakhua, insinuating his involvement with violent troll activities. Nakhua contends that the video has led to widespread condemnation and ridicule, affecting his personal and professional life.

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"That through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's (Suresh Karamshi Nakhua) integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video that is Plaintiff seek not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society, has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences. The repercussions of such false allegations are manifold, extending well beyond the realm of the video itself to irrevocably impact both the personal and professional domains of the Plaintiff, leaving scars that may never fully heal,” the lawsuit read.