FIITJEE Limited sought an ex parte injunction to remove a defamatory YouTube video, alleging malicious falsehood and reputational harm. The court ordered the video’s removal, ruling that freedom of speech does not permit deliberate disparagement or untrue claims (e.g., “kidnapping/extortion”). While applying the Bonnard test, it noted interim injunctions require certainty that the defendant’s justification plea would fail at trial. However, the court found the balance of convenience favored the defendant, as any harm to FIITJEE could be remedied via damages. The order underscores limits on commercial defamation while preserving free expression safeguards. The video was taken down by the court.
