The Madras High Court has directed YouTube to deposit earnings from videos by 'Savukku' Shankar, accused of defaming Lyca Productions, emphasizing the responsibility of YouTubers towards reputational damage.
Chennai: In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has taken a stance against defamatory content online by ordering YouTube LLC to deposit all revenue generated from videos posted by Savukku Media Private Limited, where 'Savukku' Shankar, real name A. Shankar, accused Lyca Productions Private Limited of engaging in illicit activities. The court's decision comes in response to a civil suit filed by Lyca Productions, which claims that Shankar's allegations, particularly regarding drug smuggling, are baseless and harm the production house's reputation.
Justice N. Sathish Kumar's order not only targets the financial gains from such defamatory content but also restricts Savukku Media from making any further derogatory statements against Lyca Productions. This decision is underscored by the court's observation that YouTubers, despite their reach and influence, do not have the right to tarnish reputations with unfounded accusations.
The suit, seeking damages of ₹1 crore and a permanent injunction against further defamatory actions by Savukku Media, highlighted the need for interim relief, leading to the ex-parte orders. Senior counsel V. Raghavachari, representing Lyca, emphasized the global respect and legitimacy of Lyca Productions, countering the negative image painted by Savukku Shankar's video and subsequent tweets.
The court has scheduled a notice, returnable by April 12, to Shankar regarding the suit and Lyca Productions' applications for interim relief. In the interim, to safeguard the production house's right to privacy and reputation, further defamatory publications by Savukku Media are temporarily halted. This case marks a pivotal moment in addressing the responsibility of social media influencers and platforms in regulating content that can damage reputations without evidence.
Justice N. Sathish Kumar's order not only targets the financial gains from such defamatory content but also restricts Savukku Media from making any further derogatory statements against Lyca Productions. This decision is underscored by the court's observation that YouTubers, despite their reach and influence, do not have the right to tarnish reputations with unfounded accusations.
The suit, seeking damages of ₹1 crore and a permanent injunction against further defamatory actions by Savukku Media, highlighted the need for interim relief, leading to the ex-parte orders. Senior counsel V. Raghavachari, representing Lyca, emphasized the global respect and legitimacy of Lyca Productions, countering the negative image painted by Savukku Shankar's video and subsequent tweets.
The court has scheduled a notice, returnable by April 12, to Shankar regarding the suit and Lyca Productions' applications for interim relief. In the interim, to safeguard the production house's right to privacy and reputation, further defamatory publications by Savukku Media are temporarily halted. This case marks a pivotal moment in addressing the responsibility of social media influencers and platforms in regulating content that can damage reputations without evidence.