Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Videos Targeting Sitting Judge, Issues Notice in Criminal Contempt Case

June 8, 2026 : The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the removal of videos and social media posts that allegedly held a sitting High Court judge responsible for the deaths of six people in the Saket building collapse case and referred to the judge as a “murderer.” The Court also indicated that it may consider issuing further directions to block the social media accounts that uploaded the content.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Neena Bansal Krishna and Justice Madhu Jain expressed concern over the growing number of instances where social media content targets the judiciary. The Bench observed that similar matters were increasingly coming before courts and stressed that social media intermediaries should take a more proactive approach in addressing content that scandalises courts and undermines public confidence in the justice delivery system.

During the hearing, the Court questioned whether social media platforms could independently remove patently false and objectionable content without waiting for judicial orders. The Bench noted that digital platforms wield significant influence and must recognize their responsibility in preventing the spread of content that is manifestly misleading or absurd.

The Court observed that the statements made in the impugned videos appeared to be aimed at scandalising the judiciary rather than constituting legitimate criticism. It also expressed hope that members of the public would not be misled by such allegations.

The directions came while hearing a criminal contempt petition filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) against psychologist and social activist Dr. Kapil Kakar. The Bar Association alleged that Kakar had published a series of videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn containing scandalous, contemptuous and defamatory remarks against a sitting Delhi High Court judge and the judiciary.

According to the petition, Kakar accused the judge of being responsible for the deaths of six persons in a building collapse near Saket Metro Station on May 30. The DHCBA argued that these allegations were entirely false and based on a misrepresentation of judicial proceedings.

The Bar Association clarified that Kakar’s allegations stemmed from a court order concerning a petition seeking action against alleged illegal construction. It stated that the judge had merely allowed the petition to be withdrawn with liberty to file a fresh plea because the property owner had not been impleaded as a necessary party, contrary to the claims made in the videos.

The contempt petition also cited statements in which the judge was allegedly described as a murderer, the judiciary was accused of corruption and members of the public were urged to protest against the perceived injustice. The DHCBA contended that these remarks were intended to lower the authority of the Court, erode public faith in the judicial system and interfere with the administration of justice.

The Bar Association further alleged that Kakar continued uploading similar content on June 4 and June 5, linking the judge to an unrelated dispute involving ICICI Bank and suggesting improper relationships between members of the judiciary and corporate entities.

Senior Advocate and DHCBA President N. Hariharan, appearing for the Bar Association, submitted that the statements were malicious, scurrilous and contemptuous. He urged the Court to take strict action not only against the content creator but also against the social media platforms that allowed the content to circulate.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Union Government, supported the DHCBA’s submissions and argued that the content should be removed immediately.

After hearing the parties, the Delhi High Court ordered the takedown of the videos and social media posts and issued notice to Dr. Kakar in the criminal contempt proceedings. The matter will now be taken up for further consideration on the contempt allegations and the responsibility of social media platforms in facilitating the dissemination of such content.