New Delhi: In a sharp reminder to public figures, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday observed that those in politics must develop a ‘thick skin’ to handle criticism while drawing a line between satire and defamation.
The remark came during a hearing on a petition filed by BJP spokesperson and senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, who sought the removal of ‘defamatory’ social media content mocking his attire in a recent TV news programme.
Bhatia alleged that during the show earlier this month, he appeared in a kurta paired with shorts, but a camera angle inadvertently exposed his lower body, leading to viral memes and offensive posts online. His counsel argued that the footage, captured in the privacy of his home without consent, violated his right to privacy and demanded its takedown.
Justice Amit Bansal cautioned against issuing ex parte injunctions, citing Supreme Court guidelines, and scheduled the next hearing for September 25. “Being in politics requires a strong sense of self-control,” the judge stated, emphasising the need for the court to differentiate between humorous satire and outright derogatory remarks. However, he agreed that obscene comments should be removed.
The incident highlights the growing scrutiny faced by politicians in the digital age, where a minor wardrobe mishap can snowball into widespread ridicule. Bhatia’s plea underscores the tension between free speech and personal dignity in India’s vibrant social media landscape.