Delhi High Court Restrains Online Content Linking Minister’s Daughter to Jeffrey Epstein
Fresh Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed social media platforms, including X, Google, YouTube, Meta, and LinkedIn, along with other online platforms, to remove content allegedly linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.1
Defamation Suit and Allegations
Himayani Puri initiated legal action at the Delhi High Court, alleging defamation and seeking ₹10 crore in damages over reports connecting her to Epstein, who died by suicide in a US jail cell in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking of minors.2 The suit claims that starting February 22, 2026, a series of false and defamatory posts and articles were published and widely circulated on social media.3
Court’s Directives and Arguments
Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Puri, argued that his client was targeted due to her father’s position as a cabinet minister, suggesting both personal and potential political motivations behind the allegations.2 He asserted that claims of a firm formerly associated with Puri receiving funds from Epstein were entirely fabricated.2
Justice Mini Pushkarna issued a notice to all parties involved, including journalistic outlets, and directed the removal of the allegedly defamatory content pending a full hearing on the defamation suit.1
Scope of the Injunction
The court clarified that the injunction would initially apply to content within India, as the question of a global takedown order is currently before a division bench of the High Court.1 However, content uploaded from outside India will be blocked from access within the country.1
Senior advocate Arvind Datar, representing Meta, stated that the platform could only block content within India and not globally.2
Next Steps
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 7.1 Himayani Puri has filed a ₹10 crore defamation suit, seeking a “John Doe” order to facilitate the removal of the content.4
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