THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.06.2026, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:

BECHU KURIAN THOMAS, J.

W.P.(C) No. 11995 of 2025

Dated this the 12th day of June, 2026

JUDGMENT

Petitioners have filed this writ petition seeking a direction to the respondents to immediately remove the defamatory photographs, videos and voice recordings posted by the third respondent on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, as well as any other platforms where they have been shared. They seek a further direction to refrain the third respondent from harassment, threats or publication of any personal content relating to petitioners. Petitioners have also sought for compensation for the damage caused to their family life, dignity, and privacy.

2. The learned counsel for the third respondent submitted that the defamatory content, including photographs, videos and voice recordings, allegedly posted on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, and other platforms where they have been shared, do not exist now as all have been deleted. It was also submitted that the third respondent does not intend to upload any such content further. The aforesaid submissions are recorded.

3. Since the alleged social media content indicating the presence of the petitioners have already been removed, nothing further survives for consideration in this writ petition, as far as relief No.i to iii is concerned.

4. As far as relief No.iv is concerned, the claim for compensation is a matter which requires appreciation of disputed question of facts, and is not a matter in which the jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India should be exercised. Remedy of the petitioners for that purpose is to approach the appropriate forum.

5. Accordingly, this writ petition is closed, as far as relief Nos.(i) to (iii) are concerned while the liberty of the petitioners to initiate appropriate proceedings, for relief No.iv, before the appropriate forum, is reserved, if available in law.