The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh seeking to file documents identifying alleged rape victims and their families to support his defence in a defamation suit filed by the Isha Foundation. The suit arises from a video Singh uploaded on his YouTube channel alleging serious misconduct, including the exploitation of minors at Sadhguru’s ashram. Justice Subramonium Prasad rejected the request to submit these sensitive documents, calling the move premature at this stage.
The defamation suit was launched by the Isha Foundation against the video titled “Sadhguru EXPOSED: What’s happening in Jaggi Vasudev’s Ashram,” which Singh shared publicly via his ‘X’ account. The foundation argued that the video was defamatory, based on unverified material, and had the potential to significantly harm its reputation. The court had previously ordered Singh to take down the video, noting that it appeared to be based on clickbait-style content and unsubstantiated allegations.
In his application, Singh proposed that the documents be submitted in sealed cover to protect the identities of the alleged victims, and asked that the foundation also be served with the originals to give them a chance to respond — while ensuring that public disclosure did not occur. However, the judge declined this, stating there was no justification yet for sharing such documents, particularly without them being part of the formal pleadings. As per the court, granting access to these materials without proper context would not be appropriate at this interim stage.
The court’s refusal to allow the disclosure underscores procedural safeguards around defamation cases, especially when sensitive personal data and serious allegations like rape are involved. Singh has already complied with earlier court orders by removing the video. The matter is ongoing, with potential further hearings on both the defamation suit and his defence.
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