PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday (March 20, 2026) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address escalating communal tensions in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, where reports of violence against Muslims have sparked fears of widespread unrest ahead of Eid. In a post on X, Ms. Mufti condemned the actions of "right wing fanatics and lumpen elements" in the area, claiming they were inciting violence against Muslim communities. She warned that the situation could lead to "rivers of blood" and expressed concern over the panic and displacement of Muslim families fleeing the area. Mufti called on Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed, emphasizing the need for intervention before the crisis worsens. The tensions in Uttam Nagar have intensified since the death of 26-year-old Tarun, who was killed in a clash between his family and neighbors in the JJ Colony area on March 4. The incident occurred during Holi celebrations when water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun's family splashed on a woman from a neighboring family, according to police. The violence escalated as some Hindu groups organized protests against the killing, leading to the torching of two vehicles belonging to members of Tarun's family. Police have since arrested 14 individuals, including two minors, in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, security measures around the Uttam Nagar East metro station have been heightened following a directive from the Delhi High Court to prepare for potential unrest during the Eid festival. The court's order aims to ensure safety amid growing concerns about communal clashes in the region.#delhi_high_court #uttam_nagar #mehbooba_mufti #narendra_modhi #tarun
Delhi High Court Orders Takedown Of Posts Linking Union Minister Hardeep Puri's Daughter To Jeffrey Epstein, But No Global Relief The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted interim relief to Himayani Puri, the daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Puri, seeking the removal of posts linking her to American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Justice Mini Pushkarna issued an order directing social media platforms such as Twitter, Google, YouTube, Meta, LinkedIn, and other unnamed entities to take down the allegedly defamatory content. However, the court clarified that the global takedown request would be addressed separately by a division bench, and for now, the focus is on content within India. The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 7. Himayani Puri has filed a defamation lawsuit worth Rs. 10 crore, seeking a "john doe" order to remove the content. Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, argued that the allegations against her are false and part of a coordinated campaign targeting her due to her father’s political position. Jethmalani claimed that the accusations are baseless and part of an effort to discredit her, citing previous targeting of the minister’s wife for alleged illegal property acquisition. He emphasized that if content is uploaded from devices in India, a global takedown is permissible, regardless of the user’s location. In response, Meta’s counsel, Senior Advocate Arvind Datar, stated that the platform can only enforce removal within India and cannot comply with global takedown orders. Datar argued that the issue of global enforcement is pending before a division bench and that intermediaries like Meta cannot act without a court directive.#jeffrey_epstein #meta #delhi_high_court #hardeep_puri #himayani_puri
Puri’s daughter moves Delhi HC against posts linking to Epstein Himayani Puri, the daughter of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court demanding the removal of social media content she claims falsely links her to convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The court is expected to hear the case later this week. Puri has sought compensation of Rs 10 crore and an order to block the spread of the material. She alleges that the posts are part of a coordinated and malicious online campaign aimed at associating her with Epstein’s crimes without any factual basis. The petition also calls for an unconditional apology and full retraction from the defendants. Puri stated that she is being targeted due to her position as the daughter of a high-ranking minister. The legal action comes amid growing concerns over the spread of defamatory content online, particularly in cases involving public figures. Puri’s claims highlight the challenges faced by individuals in combating misinformation and the potential for reputational harm. The Delhi High Court’s response to the petition could set a precedent for similar cases involving public figures and the regulation of online speech. Legal experts have noted that such cases often involve balancing free speech rights with the protection of individuals’ reputations. The petition underscores the broader issue of how social media platforms manage content that may be harmful or false. While platforms have policies against defamatory material, enforcement remains a challenge. Puri’s request for an order to restrain individuals and platforms from disseminating the content reflects the difficulty of holding online actors accountable.#jeffrey_epstein #hardeep_singh_puri #delhi_high_court #himayani_puri #social_media_platforms
Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Defamatory Content Linking Hardeep Puri’s Daughter to Jeffrey Epstein The Delhi High Court on March 17, 2026, issued interim directions to social media platforms and online intermediaries to remove or block access to content in India that allegedly defames Himayani Puri, the daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The court’s order came in response to a defamation lawsuit filed by Ms. Puri, who claimed the content falsely links her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, noted that the court cannot issue global takedown orders at this stage, as a separate bench is already examining the legal implications of such directives. The court’s interim measures focus on content originating within India, aligning with the arguments presented by Meta’s legal counsel, Arvind Datar. Ms. Puri’s lawsuit alleges a coordinated online campaign orchestrated by individuals to associate her with Epstein’s criminal activities. In her filing through advocate Madhulika Rai Sharma, she described the content as fabricated and baseless, including claims that she and her firm, Realm Partners LLC, received financial benefits or tainted money from Epstein or his associates. The suit emphasizes that these allegations are entirely false and lack factual foundation. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Ms. Puri, stated that his client has been subjected to scurrilous posts targeting her solely because she is the daughter of a Cabinet minister. He highlighted that the attacks are politically motivated, aiming to tarnish her reputation without any credible evidence.#jeffrey_epstein #hardeep_singh_puri #delhi_high_court #himayani_puri #realm_partners_llc
Celina Jaitly's detained brother says he doesn't want to contact her; Delhi High Court closes case Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, the brother of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates for over a year. He previously served in the Indian Army and participated in a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Celina Jaitly filed a petition with the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate communication with her brother. During a consular access visit, Vikrant Jaitly informed the court that he does not wish to communicate with his sister and emphasized that decisions regarding his legal matters in the UAE should not be influenced by Celina Jaitly’s preferences. The court noted these statements and closed the petition, citing that Vikrant had repeatedly stated his intention to make legal decisions independently, in consultation with his wife. The court also recorded that Vikrant had refused pro bono legal assistance from the Khalid Almari law firm, despite the court’s directive to inform him of the offer. Additionally, the court acknowledged that the Indian Embassy in the UAE had already addressed Celina Jaitly’s request for regular contact with her brother. Celina Jaitly’s petition alleged that her brother was abducted from a mall in the UAE while working with a consultancy firm, in the presence of his wife. She had filed a complaint on the Union government’s MADAD Portal but claimed no updates were provided. She also stated she had approached the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Dubai without success. The court directed the central government to continue monitoring Vikrant’s case and provide legal assistance as needed.#united_arab_emirates #delhi_high_court #indian_embassy #celina_jaitly #vikrant_kumar_jaitly
Celina Jaitly reacts as Vikrant Jaitly refuses to communicate and chooses to consult wife Charul Jaitly first; court dismisses plea Celina Jaitly has responded to the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance, and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is detained in the United Arab Emirates. The court rejected her plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly declined to communicate with his sister and preferred to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly. In a detailed social media post, Celina expressed gratitude to the court and the Government of India, stating that she had approached the court out of concern for her brother’s safety and well-being. She emphasized her sense of responsibility toward Vikrant, noting that with their parents no longer present, she felt it was her duty to ensure his protection and support. “He is in a foreign nation, and as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure he was not left without protection or support,” she wrote. Celina also revealed that she had pursued judicial intervention despite facing personal challenges, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings. She highlighted her commitment to her brother’s welfare, stating, “My concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention.” She thanked the Indian government for informing her that officials had been in contact with Vikrant, noting that the Ministry of External Affairs had provided multiple legal accesses to him and was working to ensure proper legal representation and his well-being. The court’s decision was based on information that Vikrant Jaitly had already been granted consular access but had declined legal assistance.#delhi_high_court #celina_jaitly #vikrant_jaitly #charul_jaitly #matiti_group
Arvind Kejriwal moves Supreme Court to transfer excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to reject his request to transfer the excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, denied Kejriwal’s plea on March 13, citing administrative reasons. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks to address concerns about potential bias in the handling of the case. Kejriwal’s legal team argued that Justice Sharma’s recent order, issued on March 9, lacked clarity and raised questions about impartiality. The High Court had stayed the trial court’s direction to investigate a CBI officer involved in the excise policy case and directed the trial court to defer proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Justice Sharma also criticized the trial court’s observations, stating some were erroneous. In his petition, Kejriwal expressed apprehension that Justice Sharma’s involvement could compromise the case’s fairness. He highlighted that the High Court’s order did not provide reasons for the ex parte restraint imposed, which he argued was an extraordinary measure requiring clear grounds of illegality or perversity. Kejriwal also noted that the High Court’s directive to defer PMLA proceedings, despite the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not being a party to the case, further raised concerns about judicial neutrality. The trial court had earlier discharged Kejriwal and 22 others in the excise policy case, a decision challenged by the CBI.#delhi_high_court #arvind_kejriwal #justice_swarana_kanta_sharma #devendra_kumar_upadhyaya #enforcement_directorate
Arvind Kejriwal Challenges High Court Decision in Excise Policy Case at Supreme Court Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court order that froze remarks against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an excise policy case. In a petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, Kejriwal argued that the decision violated his fundamental rights. He also contested the order issued by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, which rejected his request to transfer the case to another judge. Kejriwal’s legal challenge centers on the High Court’s decision to halt a probe into a CBI officer involved in the excise policy case. The court had directed the trial court to defer proceedings related to the anti-money laundering case and dismissed claims that some of its observations were erroneous. Kejriwal, however, argued that the hearing in the matter would not be impartial and neutral, citing a "grave, bona fide, and reasonable apprehension" of bias. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, had already denied Kejriwal’s request to transfer the excise policy case from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. On March 13, the High Court’s Registrar General sent a communication to Kejriwal and others, stating that the petition would be assigned to the current judge as per the roster. The letter emphasized that any recusal request would be handled by the judge, and no administrative order would be issued to transfer the case. The Supreme Court is set to hear the CBI’s petition challenging the release of Kejriwal, his former Deputy Manish Sisodia, and others accused in the excise policy case.#supreme_court #central_bureau_of_investigation #delhi_high_court #arvind_kejriwal #aam_aadmi_party
Delhi High Court to Hear CBI's Challenge Against Discharge of Liquor Policy Case Accused The Delhi High Court is set to address a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the trial court's decision to discharge all accused in the liquor policy case. The case involves prominent AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, among others. A bench led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma will hear the matter today. Last week, Justice Sharma had raised concerns about the trial court's order, noting that some of its observations appeared prima facie erroneous. This prompted further legal action, as Kejriwal sought to transfer the case to another bench, citing apprehensions of bias against Justice Sharma. However, the High Court rejected his request, leading Kejriwal to file a writ petition in the Supreme Court to transfer the CBI's petition from Justice Sharma's bench. The CBI's plea argues that the trial court's discharge order is flawed and seeks to overturn it. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the potential implications for the legal proceedings. The court's decision on this matter could set a precedent for similar cases involving political figures and public officials. Live updates from the hearing will provide further insights into the court's reasoning and the potential outcomes. The case remains a focal point for legal and political observers, given its impact on the ongoing investigations and the broader implications for judicial independence and accountability.#manish_sisodia #central_bureau_of_investigation #delhi_high_court #arvind_kejriwal #justice_swarana_kanta_sharma
Priyadarshan reacts to Rajpal Yadav's jail term, calling him the ‘most innocent actor’ who fell into a ‘trap’ Rajpal Yadav was released from Tihar jail in February after being granted interim bail in the ₹9 crore cheque bounce case. The actor, who had been detained for over a year, was allowed temporary freedom until March 18, pending further legal proceedings. His lawyer confirmed that he had deposited the required amount in the complainant’s bank accounts, which led to the court’s decision to grant bail. In a public statement, filmmaker Priyadarshan expressed his support for Yadav, describing him as the “most innocent actor” he had ever encountered. He emphasized that Yadav’s situation was a result of being “trapped” in a legal dilemma, despite his integrity. “This guy was so innocent that he got into a trap,” Priyadarshan said. “If it had been someone else, so many people would not have come together to help him.” He highlighted the widespread support Yadav received, noting that numerous individuals and celebrities were willing to assist him due to their belief in his innocence. The case dates back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore from Delhi-based Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata (2012). The film’s commercial failure led to significant financial losses, sparking a dispute over the repayment of the loan. In 2018, a magisterial court convicted Yadav for cheque dishonour under the Negotiable Instruments Act, sentencing him to six months in prison. This ruling was upheld by a sessions court in 2019. Over time, the outstanding amount grew to nearly ₹9 crore, leading to his arrest. The Delhi High Court’s interim bail order came after a series of legal battles. Initially, the court had demanded ₹1.#sonu_sood #delhi_high_court #priyadarshan #rajpal_yadav #murali_projects_pvt_ltd
Uttam Nagar clash: HC restrains MCD from demolition action for a week The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to halt demolition activities against properties linked to individuals involved in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash, which resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man. The court’s decision came after petitions raised concerns about the legality of the demolition process. During the hearing, the MCD defended its actions, stating that the demolition drive targeted encroachment by eight houses and was not selective. However, the petitions argued that the partial demolition of the accused’s residence had sparked fears that other homes might be demolished without following proper legal procedures. The court acknowledged these apprehensions and granted a temporary stay on the demolition for a week, allowing affected individuals to file a fresh petition. Jarina, the mother of accused Imran, and Shahnaz, whose children were interrogated by police during the investigation, were permitted to submit a new petition. The court emphasized the need for due process, highlighting the potential risks of arbitrary enforcement. The case underscores tensions between municipal authorities and residents in the aftermath of the violent incident, with legal challenges now delaying the demolition proceedings.#delhi_high_court #municipal_corporation_of_delhi #uttam_nagar #imran #jarina
Delhi High Court Halts Demolition of Accused's Homes in Uttam Nagar Holi Clash Case The Delhi High Court on Tuesday instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) not to proceed with the demolition of properties belonging to two individuals accused in the fatal incident that occurred during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar last week. The court’s order came during a hearing where the matter was being examined. Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over the case, orally directed the respondent authorities, including the MCD, to refrain from taking any action against the properties of the accused until the following day. The incident in question involved the death of a man during a violent clash that erupted during Holi festivities in Uttam Nagar. The accused individuals are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the incident. The court’s intervention came as the MCD had reportedly planned to demolish the properties of the accused as part of its efforts to address the situation. However, the court’s directive temporarily suspended this action, emphasizing the need for further legal proceedings. The court’s order highlights the balance between maintaining public order and ensuring due process for the accused. Legal experts noted that such temporary halts are often issued to prevent premature actions that could compromise the rights of individuals involved in criminal cases. The case is expected to be revisited in the coming days, with the court likely to consider whether the demolition can proceed or if additional legal safeguards are required. The incident has sparked discussions about the management of public spaces during festive events and the role of local authorities in addressing conflicts.#delhi_high_court #municipal_corporation_of_delhi #uttam_nagar #holi_clash_case #justice_amit_bansal
JioStaR Strengthens Anti-Piracy Measures Against Unauthorized Streaming of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 JioStaR has intensified its efforts to combat piracy during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, taking decisive actions against unauthorized streaming platforms, apps, and websites. The company has removed several apps from Google Play and iOS app stores, including XCIPTV, Televizo, IPTV Smarters Pro, VU IPTV Player, and XTV Ultra IPTV Media Player, which were facilitating illegal access to live matches. These apps, which collectively had over 26.11 million downloads, are now blocked to prevent users from accessing pirated content. In addition to app removals, JioStaR has blocked 141 piracy websites under a dynamic injunction issued by the Delhi High Court. This move has reportedly prevented approximately 12.2 million unauthorized access attempts to the tournament’s content. The company has also taken action against 279 websites that were distributing unlicensed streams, which collectively generated over 2 million gigabytes of traffic. These websites were identified and blocked under the court’s directive, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws. JioStaR’s anti-piracy team has also targeted 15 additional third-party apps through direct monitoring, resulting in the disruption of around 11.5 million piracy-related traffic instances. The company emphasized that these measures aim to redirect users to official platforms, such as JioStaR and JioHatsar, to ensure they access content legally and securely. The initiative reflects JioStaR’s commitment to protecting the rights of content creators and providing a safe, regulated digital environment for cricket fans.#icc_men_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #delhi_high_court #jio_star #xciptv #televizo
