Kerala High Court Directs Removal Of Videos Allegedly Ridiculing 14-Yr-Old Over Her Review Of Movie 'Moonwalk'

As per the petitioner, many social media accounts reposted the video with mocking background music, sarcastic voice filters and sexually suggestive or deeply insulting phrases. The child came to know about this after it was brought to her attention by her classmates and teachers.

The petitioner informed the Court that she had approached the police station and the grievance officers of the various social media platforms to remove the content but to no avail. It was specifically pointed out that this was in violation of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which mandates that requests for removal of content should be acted on within 72 hours.

It was informed to the Court that after the incident, the child was undergoing severe psychological stress. The child who was previously expressive and confident became visibly distressed, anxious and emotionally withdrawn. She started avoiding school, friends and public appearances. She also stopped using her phone or accessing the internet. Further, she had episodes of crying, disturbed sleep and showed reluctance to eat or participate in the daily routine.

The plea was moved by Advocates Navaneeth N. Nath, Abhirami S., Abdul Latheef P. M., Gautham Krishna E. J.,

Case Title: Kalyani Jen S. v State of Kerala and Others

Case No: WP(C) 21099/ 2025