Kerala High Court Directs Meta to Block Video Over Derogatory Remarks on Sabarimala Deities
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to temporarily block public access to a Facebook video containing alleged derogatory remarks about the Sabarimala deities.
Justice G. Girish issued the interim order while hearing a petition filed by right-wing activist and public commentator Rahul K. Easwar. He sought the removal of the video and action against Dalit activist Sunny M. Kapikad over the alleged remarks.
After watching the video, the Court said that keeping it available on social media could hurt the religious sentiments of Sabarimala devotees. The Court therefore directed Meta to temporarily block public access to the video at the specific URL mentioned in the petition.
The Court also made it clear that the order applies only to that particular URL.
Easwar's petition sought directions to remove and block the video, in which Kapikad is alleged to have made remarks about Sabarimala deities Lord Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma.
During the hearing, Easwar's lawyer said he would check whether the video was available through any other URLs.
The case will be heard next on October 6.
The petition was filed through advocates P. T. Sheejish and Ayonna George.