February 3, 2025: Aaradhya Bachchan’s legal team, led by Advocate Pravin Gandhi, filed the petition in response to the persistent circulation of harmful videos, despite a previous order directing Google, social media platform Bollywood Times, and other websites to remove the content. The matter, which remains a significant concern for the Bachchan family, is set to be heard again on March 17, with the court acknowledging the seriousness of the privacy violation.
The controversy first erupted when Aaradhya Bachchan’s name was linked to distressing and unfounded rumors regarding her health, including altered images and fabricated videos. In 2023, the Delhi High Court had issued an interim injunction, ordering the removal of any content claiming that the young Bachchan was in critical condition. The court also emphasized the need for privacy and respect for every child, noting that such false information about a child’s wellbeing is intolerable.
Justice C Hari Shankar, who had previously heard the case, made it clear that no technicalities should prevent the court from acting swiftly when misleading information about a child is brought to its attention. “Every child is entitled to be treated with honour and respect, be she the child of a celebrity or the child of a commoner,” he had stated.
However, despite the clear direction from the court, the offensive content continues to surface, prompting Aaradhya Bachchan’s legal team to pursue further action. In a fresh petition, Aaradhya’s counsel seeks a summary judgment, as the defendants, including Google and other involved parties, have not appeared before the court.
Court Issues Notice Over Ongoing Fake Videos About Aaradhya Bachchan’s Health
A summary judgment, which is the crux of this application, allows the court to decide the case without a lengthy trial and without oral evidence. This mechanism aims to expedite civil cases where a party’s defense is either insufficient or has been defaulted, as is the case with the defendants here. Aaradhya’s legal team asserts that the defendants’ failure to engage with the proceedings means their right to defend has already been closed.
The ongoing legal battle is emblematic of the broader issue of privacy violations in the digital age, especially for children of public figures. Aaradhya Bachchan, daughter of Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has become the focus of unwarranted and damaging media attention in the form of these malicious online claims. The Bachchan family’s legal pursuit highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information, especially for minors, against the dangers of misinformation in the digital realm.
With the case scheduled for further hearings in March, the outcome will likely set a significant precedent in addressing similar privacy concerns for children of public figures and those who face such online harassment.