Delhi HC orders removal of social media posts targeting judge over Saidulajab Building collapse case

The Delhi High Court has directed social media platforms to immediately remove allegedly contemptuous content targeting a sitting judge in connection with the Saidulajab building collapse incident in which 6 people lost their lives last month.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Neena Bansal Krishna and Madhi Jain ordered that the content be taken down “forthwith” while hearing a plea filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), which sought criminal contempt action against a social media user accused of posting objectionable videos.

The association alleged that the user, identified as Dr Kapil Kakar, had uploaded videos on multiple platforms making scandalous allegations against the judge who had earlier dealt with matters related to illegal construction in the building that later collapsed.

During the hearing, the court questioned why social media companies had not acted proactively to remove such content once it came to their notice. The bench observed that platforms carry a responsibility to prevent the circulation of content that could undermine judicial authority or spread misinformation.

Representatives appearing for Meta, Google, and LinkedIn assured the court that the videos would be taken down in compliance with its directions.

The court also noted that such content appears frequently and remarked that public memory is short, describing the posts as attempts to scandalise the judiciary rather than provide genuine information.

The DHCBA further requested that the account of the alleged user be blocked in addition to removal of the videos. The court said it would issue a detailed order in the matter.

The case relates to the Saidulajab building collapse in New Delhi, which resulted in multiple fatalities and has triggered ongoing legal scrutiny over alleged illegal construction.