The Delhi High Court has issued a strong order compelling a Noida resident to remove defamatory videos targeting Amul products from all social media platforms. The decision comes after a viral post in June claimed to show a centipede in an Amul ice cream tub.
Despite previous court orders, the Noida resident failed to appear before the court, prompting the high court to direct social media platforms like X, YouTube, and Meta to remove the offending content within 36 hours.
“In the event any other posts are discovered by Amul wherein such video or post or a part thereof has been uploaded, Amul shall bring the same to the notice of the social media by written communication, and the concerned URLs shall be taken down by them within 36 hours,” the order stated.
Amul, represented by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), hailed the decision as a landmark victory against the misuse of social media for defaming brands. The court’s order underscores the importance of responsible online conduct and the potential legal consequences of spreading false information.
The ruling sends a clear message that social media platforms cannot be used to damage reputations without facing repercussions.
Amul has been vocal about its commitment to product quality and safety, and this legal battle underscores the company’s determination to protect its brand image. “In the history of Amul, this is the first milestone judgement to prevent social media misuse by any consumer for Amul products,” said Jayen Mehta, managing director of GCMMF, the apex body of all dairy unions of Gujarat that markets dairy products under the brand name Amul.
“This has established that a consumer has no right to recover money by illegal and defamatory posts misusing social media,” said Mehta.