A court in Punjab's Ludhiana has directed Google to release various details about the YouTube channel of Ajeet Bharti in connection with a criminal case registered over objectionable content posted against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai last year [State v Ajeet Bharti and others].
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Dazy Bangarh passed the order on February 9 on application moved by Cyber Crime, Ludhiana.
The police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the matter on October 8, 2025.
The Court noted the investigation agency's allegation that the social media posts were intended to provoke violence, erode respect for constitutional posts and insult a member of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
"It is thus clear that criminal case has already been registered and the details sought in this application is for the purpose of the investigation, for collection of digital footprints and for further development of the case," the ACJM added.
Thus, the Court directed Google to supply complete details of YouTube channel 'Ajeet Bharti' and the persons responsible for publishing the posts in question, including subscriber details, IP logs and upload history.
Further, the Court permitted the police to seek deletion of the content by making a request to Google as per law.
CJI Gavai, who has since retired, had come under sharp attack, both online and offline, from individuals and groups on the right for his remarks in a case concerning the restoration of a beheaded seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho. One advocate Rakesh Kishore even attempted to throw a shoe at him during court proceedings.
Media reports published later stated that Bharti and others were booked for "casteist" and "provocative" remarks against CJI Gavai in the videos uploaded before and after the shoe throwing incident.
Bharti had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court last year seeking protection against any coercive steps that may be taken by the Punjab Police.
The High Court had then recorded that Bharti may submit details of his videos on CJI Gavai to Mohali Police to ascertain whether any FIR has been registered against him.