The Delhi High Court has made permanent its interim injunction preventing a YouTube channel from impersonating Aaj Tak news anchor Anjana Om Kashyap [TV Today Network Limited & Anr v. Google LLC & Ors].
The order was issued after the channel's creator failed to show up for court despite being served. Justice Tejas Karia noted that the channel used Kashyap’s photographs, fabricated video clips and purported news segments without authorisation.
"The fake YouTube channels of a well known organisation or a personality are likely to result in enormous damage and dissemination of misinformation as the same would lack editorial control."
On June 20, 2025, the Court initially ordered Google to take down the channel and disclose the uploader's basic subscriber information. Following Google's subsequent confirmation of compliance, the Court was presented with the details.
The person associated with the account received a summons based on the information supplied. According to the records, the defendant did not enter an appearance or submit a written statement despite being served via email and SMS.
According to the Court's final ruling, the channel was made using Kashyap's name and likeness in a way that might have led viewers to believe the content was produced by her. It ruled that such unconsented use of photos, videos and news-style clips needed to be permanently restricted.
The Court issued an order restraining the defendant from creating or disseminating similar impersonating content, as well as from using Kashyap's name, image, or likeness in any way.
The plaintiffs also stated that they were not pursuing their claim for damages. Since Google had already complied with the Court’s earlier directions, no further orders were passed against it.
[Read Order]