A Ludhiana court directed Google to release the details of independent journalist and popular political satirist Ajeet Bharti to disclose his YouTube channel data as part of an ongoing investigation into allegedly inflammatory content.
Bharti, who runs a self-titled YouTube channel making socio-political commentary, is being scrutinised for remarks made on social media regarding the judiciary following a high-profile incident where a lawyer attempted to attack the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in court.
The judicial order marks a significant moment for the creator economy in India, highlighting how digital analytics, typically private metrics used by creators to track performance, can be subpoenaed by law enforcement during criminal proceedings.
The court’s decision follows a series of legal challenges for Bharti, who has built a massive following by delivering “unfiltered” commentary on Indian politics and social issues.
The authorities are seeking specific data points, including reach and engagement metrics, to determine the scale and impact of the videos in question.
According to Bar and Bench, the court directed Google to supply complete details of the YouTube channel ‘Ajeet Bharti’ and the persons responsible for publishing the posts in question, including subscriber details, IP logs and upload history.
For aspiring digital creators, this case underscores the importance of understanding the legal liabilities associated with content distribution and the fact that platform privacy does not always extend to judicial oversight.
Bharti previously approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking details of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him.
While Bharti argued that his comments were merely “journalistic opinion” and satirical in nature, the state government alleged that his videos contained derogatory language aimed at the highest levels of the judiciary.
The court has now signalled that transparency regarding his digital footprint is necessary for the investigation to proceed.
Ajeet Bharti is a seasoned media professional with over 15 years of experience, having previously worked with major mainstream outlets like the Times of India and Economic Times before transitioning to independent digital creation.
He currently manages a YouTube subscriber base of over 700,000 and has nearly 5 lakh followers on X, formerly Twitter.
Known for his sharp “roasts” and satirical critiques, Bharti has faced multiple legal hurdles in the past, including contempt proceedings, yet he remains a prominent voice in the Indian alternative media landscape.
