Gaurav Bhatia Defamation Case: CJP Members Agree To Remove Disputed Posts Within 24 Hours

September 10, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday recorded an undertaking by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to take down social media posts concerning BJP leader and senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, including a disputed post carrying a purported quote attributed to him.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing Bhatia’s ₹2-crore defamation suit. Bhatia appeared in person before the Court.

Court Directs Removal Of Posts Within 24 Hours

Counsels representing Das and Ranka told the Court that they would remove the disputed posts. The Court recorded their statements and directed that the posts be taken down within 24 hours.

The Court had earlier observed that there are different ways of protesting and told the defendants that while they have a right to express themselves, their expressions may sometimes need to be put in a more articulate manner so that the intended message is conveyed properly.

Counsel for Das submitted that the tweet in question had already been deleted. The Court, however, pointed out that another post had also been published.

Court Questions Presence Of Another Defendant

The Court also questioned the presence of Abhijeet Dipke as a defendant and asked what material had allegedly been posted by him.

Counsel for Dipke submitted that there was not a single tweet by him forming part of the dispute.

Bhatia told the Court that the case involved aggravated defamation and that the allegedly fabricated material could not remain online as it was damaging his reputation and had been viewed by a large number of people.

He also alleged that his photograph had been used with a fabricated statement and that the logo of a news organisation was included in the graphic, allegedly lending credibility to the content.

Bhatia Seeks Removal Of Similar Content From Social Media

Bhatia sought directions to social media platforms X and Meta to remove the allegedly fabricated picture and similar content.

Counsel for Meta, however, submitted that the platform could not proactively remove photographs or content without a specific basis or legal direction.

The Court granted Bhatia liberty to approach the social media platforms regarding similar content.

Disputed AI-Generated Graphic At Centre Of Suit

The suit arises from an allegedly AI-generated graphic circulated on X which, according to Bhatia, falsely attributed remarks concerning Swatantra Bhardwaj to him.

Bhatia has denied making the remarks and alleged that his photograph was used alongside the purported statement, creating a false impression that he was its author.

According to the plaint, the disputed post was published on September 5 and received more than 1.32 lakh views. Bhatia had sought its removal and an unconditional apology before approaching the Court.

The suit seeks ₹2 crore in damages, along with permanent and mandatory injunctions against the defendants. The allegations made by Bhatia are yet to be adjudicated by the Court.