Delhi HC orders immediate takedown of content linking Hardeep Puris daughter Himayani Puri to Jeffrey Epstein

PTC Web Desk: In a major interim relief, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the removal of online material that allegedly associates Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The court, while hearing a petition filed by Himayani Puri, observed that a prima facie case had been established in her favour. It ordered that all objectionable content identified by the petitioner be taken down without delay. In cases where immediate removal is not possible, digital platforms have been instructed to ensure compliance within 24 hours.

The Bench clarified that its order currently applies only to content accessible within India. Notices have been issued to the parties concerned, including intermediary platforms, asking them to respond. The court has granted two weeks for filing replies and indicated that the matter would be examined in greater detail thereafter.

During the hearing, counsel for Himayani Puri argued that the allegations were baseless and part of a targeted attempt to harm her reputation. It was submitted that linking her to a convicted criminal was entirely false and potentially motivated by political considerations. The petitioner’s legal team also stated that specific URLs containing the disputed content had been identified and placed before the court.

Highlighting the impact, the counsel noted that Himayani Puri, who resides in New York and works in the financial sector, has suffered reputational damage internationally. On this basis, a request was made for a broader, global removal of such content.

However, senior advocate Arvind Datar pointed out that the issue of directing global takedowns is still under consideration before a division bench. He argued that, at present, enforcement should remain limited to India.

Legal representatives for major tech platforms, including Meta, also raised concerns over jurisdiction, questioning whether an Indian court could mandate worldwide removal of content. They indicated that a global order would be contested due to its wider legal implications.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing certain journalists contended that the matter touches upon ongoing international scrutiny related to Epstein. They argued that some of the content in question was part of legitimate journalistic inquiry and referenced publicly available information.

The High Court, while granting immediate relief within India, kept the question of global takedown open. It stated that a final decision on the broader scope would be taken after reviewing responses from all parties.