CHENNAI: The Madras high court has ordered a YouTuber to pay ₹50 lakh as compensation to transgender celebrity and AIADMK spokesperson Apsara Reddy for trolling her on YouTube. The court issued a stern warning to YouTubers and social media writers, making it clear that targeting and trolling transgender individuals will not be tolerated.
The YouTuber, Joe Micheal Praveen, had uploaded around 10 defamatory and scandalous videos against Apsara Reddy on the platform. While Google, which allowed the content to be uploaded, escaped a penalty due to its timely removal of the flagged videos and Apsara’s decision not to press charges against the tech giant.
Justice N Sathish Kumar, who gave the order on January 4, emphasized the responsibility of Google in preventing the dissemination of malicious content in the future. The court also acknowledged the immeasurable damage caused to Apsara Reddy by the videos and the hardships she endured as a result.
Apsara had initially sought ₹1.25 crore in compensation, along with 36% annual interest. She had also requested the court to direct Google to remove the defamatory videos. Apsara claimed that Joe targeted her because she had refused to participate in a joint program with him during her time as an editor with a magazine.
Despite being served notice, Joe did not appear in court, leading to an ex parte order being passed for him to pay ₹50 lakh in compensation to Apsara.
Justice Kumar stressed that while individuals have the right to post on YouTube, they must not overstep their boundaries and invade the privacy of others. He noted that the freedom of publication comes with reasonable restrictions.
This landmark ruling warns YouTubers and social media writers about the consequences of targeting and trolling transgender persons. It sends a strong message that hate speech and defamation will not be tolerated, even in the digital realm.
The court’s decision sets a precedent for advocating the protection of privacy and respect for the rights of transgender individuals. It reaffirms the importance of responsible online behavior and the duty of platforms like Google to take proactive measures against the infringement of people’s privacy and dignity.
Apsara’s victory in receiving compensation serves as a milestone in the fight against online harassment and discrimination. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and accountability mechanisms to combat cyberbullying and hate speech.
As the Madras high court sets an example with this ruling, it is hoped that other jurisdictions will follow suit in protecting the rights and dignity of transgender individuals both online and offline.
Overall, this ruling emphasizes the need for individuals to exercise their right to freedom of expression responsibly, respecting the boundaries of privacy and refraining from engaging in cyberbullying or harassment. It also serves as a reminder to platforms like Google of their obligation to proactively combat the dissemination of malicious content.
The Madras high court’s decision holds significant importance in the ongoing efforts to create a safer and more inclusive digital space for all. It marks a step forward in promoting respect, tolerance, and equality in the virtual world.
