Chandigarh: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has sued YouTuber and journalist Shyam Meera Singh for defamation. Ram Rahim earlier issued a legal notice to Singh, but as per Ram Rahim's legal representatives, Singh declined to remove the video.
Ram Rahim's suit in Delhi High Court sought directions to Shyam Meera Singh to delete the video uploaded by him on YouTube alleging that Ram Rahim fooled his followers.
The case was presented for consideration today in front of Justice Shalinder Kaur. The Court issued notifications on the issue and scheduled the case for additional hearings tomorrow (Saturday).
In the course of the hearing, legal representatives for Ram Rahim argued that Singh's video is defamatory and derogatory.
It was highlighted that Shyam Meera Singh is a "habitual offender" and has an FIR filed against him in Uttar Pradesh for disparaging the UP Chief Minister. Additionally, it was mentioned that Singh was dismissed from Aaj Tak for "disparaging the Prime Minister."
The journalist was not represented before the court on Friday.
What did the video speak about?
The journalist had uploaded the video in question on December 17, 2023 with the description, "Curious case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim: Explore the shocking revelations surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim as we delve into the intriguing story of how he cunningly deceived his devoted followers."
The journalist goes on to mention that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan known also as MSG, is the head of the Indian social group Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) since 1990.
The description goes on to say that Ram Rahim is a religious leader, social worker, actor, singer, writer, songwriter, director, and composer.
The description goes on to say that in addition to a 2017 rape conviction, Ram Rahim was also convicted of being involved in the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.
"In this video, We will uncover the manipulative tactics employed by the controversial spiritual leader that led his bhakts astray (sic)," read the description of the video.
Watch the video below:
Shyam Meera Singh, reacting to the development, took to his X handle to assert that he would not remove the video.
"In the year 2002, Ram Rahim ordered the murder of journalist Chhatrapati. He also got his own former colleague murdered. CBI investigated. Proved in court. Two rapes were proved. The government releases him on parole. I made a video. Now Ram Rahim has filed a case against me in Delhi High Court. I said that I will not delete the video," Singh said.
