CJP’s Saurav Das address shared online: Delhi HC seeks replies from portals

The Delhi High Court has issued a summons to digital media portals, social media intermediaries and political commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra over alleged invasion of the privacy of Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das. Das, through a civil suit, is seeking damages for the disclosure of his residential address. Senior advocate Akhil Sibal, representing Das, told Justice Sachin Datta that some posts in the suit, which revealed Das’ address, have already been removed from X Corp (formerly Twitter).

The court asked the defendants to file their replies within 10 days. The Pamphlet, a YouTube digital media channel and one of the defendants, argued that their Twitter posts, which Das objected to, are no longer accessible. However, Sibal pointed out that "personnel" of The Pamphlet had entered Das’ property without consent and filmed the residence.

Iyer-Mitra allegedly relied on this video to strengthen his case. In his suit, Das requested an injunction against the dissemination of his private information, such as his address, as well as the removal of personal details still available publicly. The journalist and political activist has faced violent threats and hostile reactions due to his work and political involvement.

Das argued that the constant revelation and dissemination of his exact residential address poses a real and foreseeable danger of violence at or near his home, endangering not only himself but also other residents. He also claimed that the exposure has caused him "grave and continuing apprehension for their safety and security."

Earlier this month, Das filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against specific social media handles for unlawfully entering and filming his Greater Kailash residence while he was absent, calling it an invasion of privacy. He accused the YouTubers of gathering information about him by speaking to the caretaker, security personnel, and neighbors.