In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has issued an order directing a man accused of forcefully converting a woman’s religion to delete all social media posts and images related to her. The order was passed by Justice Prathiba M Singh during the hearing of a petition filed by the accused, Azmat Ali Khan, who sought the removal of videos and news reports published by various news outlets and media organizations that implicated him.
During the previous hearing, the Court had already instructed the concerned news platforms to take down the aforementioned videos and reports pertaining to the accused. Now, the accused himself has been directed to comply with the order and delete any content he had posted regarding the woman. This move aims to ensure the protection and privacy of the victim in this coercive religious conversion case.
Complainant Woman Urges Court to Address Social Media Posts; Justice Singh Expresses Concern for Trauma
In a recent court hearing, the complainant woman made her appearance and revealed that Azmat Ali Khan, the accused, had possession of her phone and had shared several videos of her on various social media platforms.
After engaging with the woman privately, Justice Singh expressed her observation that the woman seemed to be traumatized by the situation. Subsequently, the Court instructed Rajiv Bajaj, Khan’s counsel, to advise his client on removing the posts in question.
Considering the multiple allegations against Khan, Justice Singh emphasized the importance of cooperation in the ongoing investigation. Addressing Bajaj, she highlighted that the woman possesses photographs proving that her phone is in Khan’s possession, and videos have been posted on Instagram. The Court reaffirmed its previous protective measures for Khan regarding videos posted against him but emphasized the need for additional protection for the woman. Justice Singh firmly instructed Khan to promptly remove any videos or posts related to the woman within 48 hours, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. She pointed out that seeking protection should entail reciprocal action, protecting the woman from any harm caused by Khan’s actions.
Bajaj Provides Assurance of Post Removal in Court
During the court proceedings, Bajaj, Khan’s counsel, assured the Court that the mentioned posts would be promptly taken down.
Addressing the allegations regarding Khan’s possession of the complainant’s phone, the Court advised the woman to approach the Sessions Court for suitable remedies.
In the meantime, popular social media platforms such as Google and Twitter informed the Court that they had already complied with the take-down orders.
As the judge prepared to proceed with the next case, Khan’s sister seized the opportunity to address the Bench. She claimed that her brother and the woman had been in a long-term relationship, suggesting that the allegations of religious conversion arose only after Khan expressed his desire to end the relationship.
Upon hearing her statement, Justice Singh acknowledged the apparent underlying frustration between the two parties. Consequently, she decided to keep the matter pending before the High Court.
The case is now scheduled for further consideration on August 29.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Use of Derogatory Terms in News Reports, Orders Removal
During the preceding hearing held on May 12, the Court expressed strong disapproval of certain news reports, specifically those from Sudarshan News, that utilized terms like ‘Jihadi’ in reference to the accused individual.
Consequently, the Court issued an order to news platforms and social media intermediaries, demanding the removal of said videos and reports from circulation.
The accused, Khan, asserts that he and the complainant woman had been involved in a romantic relationship spanning nearly seven years. However, she has recently come forward with allegations of attempted religious conversion to Islam.
In response to these allegations, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Khan; nonetheless, the trial court has granted him protection from arrest.
Written by – Sohini Chakraborty intern under Legal Vidhiya
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