17 March,2026 01:08 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Hardeep Singh Puri. Pic/PTI
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the removal of social media content linking Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's daughter, Himayani Puri, to convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, observing that the material appeared defamatory and could cause serious harm to her reputation, reported news agency PTI.
Justice Mini Pushkarna ordered that all such posts be removed within 24 hours and restrained individuals from publishing or circulating similar content on any social media platform. The court further clarified that if users fail to comply, the respective platforms must take down or block access to the content, reported PTI.
The directions were issued while hearing a civil suit filed by Himayani Puri, who has sought damages and legal protection against what she described as a coordinated campaign to malign her reputation.
In its observations, the High Court stated that Himayani Puri had established a prima facie case in her favour. It added that failure to grant interim relief could result in irreparable injury to her personal and professional standing.
"Till the next date of hearing, the following directions are issued," the court said, listing the matter for further hearing in August, reported PTI.
Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Himayani Puri, told the court that his client is a globally recognised finance professional whose reputation is at stake. He argued that the allegations circulating online are "completely false, reckless and malicious."
In her plea, Himayani Puri claimed that a series of defamatory posts, videos and articles began appearing online around February 22, 2026, across multiple platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and various digital news portals, reported PTI.
She alleged that these posts were part of a "coordinated and malicious online campaign" aimed at falsely linking her to Epstein and his criminal activities.
The lawsuit seeks damages of Rs 10 crore along with an unconditional apology and retraction from the entities responsible for publishing and amplifying the content.
According to the plea, the defendants made "baseless imputations" suggesting that Himayani Puri had direct or indirect personal, financial or business connections with Epstein. The petition strongly denied these claims, stating they are entirely false and without any factual basis, reported PTI.
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was the subject of multiple criminal investigations related to sex trafficking involving minors. The so-called "Epstein files" include extensive documentation such as travel logs, emails and other records linked to these investigations.
The case has remained a subject of global attention, particularly after Epstein died in custody in 2019. However, the court emphasised that unverified and defamatory associations drawn on social media cannot be permitted, especially when they harm an individual's reputation without evidence.
(With inputs from PTI)
