The Delhi High Court has authorized Sharma and India TV to directly notify Meta Platforms Inc. and Google LLC of new URLs or content involving misuse, with the platforms required to acknowledge within 24 hours and take action within 36 hours after inquiry.

A court order dated August 24, 2026, mandates Meta and Google to acknowledge removal requests within 24 hours and act within 36 hours of receipt.

The ruling establishes a mechanism for flagging fresh infringing material, allowing plaintiffs to alert Meta and Google with URLs or content for investigation, again with a 24-hour acknowledgment and 36-hour action window.

Sharma and INDIA TV voluntarily dropped certain reliefs against the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and did not pursue a well-known mark declaration at this stage, reserving it for a later suit.

The case is Rajat Sharma & Anr. v. Tamara Doc & Ors., CS(COMM) 1147/2024, reported as 2026 LLBiz HC(DEL) 954.

The court highlighted Sharma’s stature as a renowned journalist, noting his Padma Bhushan in 2015 and his two-decade-plus prominence as the face of Indian television.

The Delhi High Court permanently restrained multiple online video channels and individuals from circulating deepfake videos or misusing Sharma’s name, image, or other personality attributes, and granted India TV protection of its IP.

A permanent injunction also directs Meta and Google to remove deepfake content featuring Rajat Sharma across Facebook pages and YouTube channels.

The injunction extends to blocking or removing deepfake materials on named Facebook pages and YouTube channels linked to the suit.

Defendants who were served did not file written statements, with their rights to do so closed by the Joint Registrar in July 2026.

Most defendants failed to file written statements; their opportunity to respond was closed on July 15, 2026.

The court noted that those against whom the decree was sought were served but did not submit written statements, with rights closed mid-July 2026.