Vikash Kotnala restrained from posting disparaging videos against motivational speaker: Delhi HC passes interim order

A single-judge bench of Justice Prateek Jalan, in its interim order, said that the “publication of material” by Kotnala who claims to be a channel partner of Bindra, has the effect of “circumventing the injunction” granted by the civil court, Faridabad, and has the “potential to cause irreparable prejudice” to Maheshwari.

Noting that Maheshwari had made out a “prima facie case” and the balance of convenience was also in his favour, the high court said that till the next date of hearing, Kotnala is restrained from publishing any “defamatory/disparaging video against the plaintiff on any online or offline mode” in line with the orders passed by the civil court, Faridabad. The HC was hearing a lawsuit moved by Maheshwari seeking a direction to restrain Kotnala from making any defamatory or disparaging video against him.

The civil court, Faridabad, passed the December 2023 order while hearing a plea by Bindra, the CEO of M/s. Bada Business Private Limited. Bindra had argued before the civil court which noted in its order that Maheshwari had “offered a business deal to him” but when he refused to strike any deal, Maheshwari started “maligning his reputation on social media”.

Appearing for Maheshwari, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi referred to two videos posted by Kotnala where he alleged that Maheshwari was trying to extort money from Bindra and that he (Maheshwari) was using students to oust a competitor (Bindra) from the market. Sethi said though Bindra was also made a party to the lawsuit, however, no injunction order was being sought against him as he and Maheshwari are bound by the civil court’s order.

During the hearing, Justice Jalan had also orally observed that “social media was a strange world” and that there was “some sort of war” that was starting on these YouTube channels.