The Delhi High Court has issued summons to commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, media platform The Pamphlet, legal news platform Law Beat, and other defendants in a suit filed by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das over the alleged publication and circulation of his residential address and other personal information.
Justice Sachin Datta also issued notice on Das’ application seeking interim protection and listed the matter for further consideration on September 14.
The Court was informed during Monday’s hearing that posts on X containing Das’ residential address had already been removed.
Court Informed That Posts Revealing Address Were Removed
During the hearing, the Court specifically asked whether the links disclosing Das’ address were still active.
Counsel appearing for X confirmed that the posts had been taken down.
The Court recorded the submission and proceeded with the matter.
The defendants have been directed to file their replies within 10 days.
Das Seeks Over ₹2 Crore in Damages
Das has sought damages exceeding ₹2 crore, alleging that the disclosure of his residential information violated his right to privacy and exposed him and others residing at the premises to potential security risks.
He has also sought a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from publishing, circulating or otherwise disclosing his residential address and related personal information.
The suit further seeks removal and disabling of access to videos and social media posts containing the information.
Das has sought directions against X Corp and Google for removal of the allegedly offending material and measures to prevent its further dissemination.
Alleged Disclosure of Residential Address
According to the suit, Das has been residing in a rented accommodation in Greater Kailash-I, Delhi, since early 2025.
He has alleged that representatives of The Pamphlet entered the shared residential premises, recorded portions of the property and subsequently published footage on X on August 5.
The video allegedly revealed information that could identify his residence.
Das’ plea states that the video received more than 2.1 million views and was subsequently republished.
He has further alleged that Abhijit Iyer-Mitra discussed his address during a Law Beat programme and referred to details concerning his neighbour and the alleged rent of the premises.
Das claims that he approached the police and informed the defendants about the security concerns, but the material allegedly continued to circulate.
Privacy and Freedom of Expression Before Court
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Das, argued that individuals associated with The Pamphlet had entered the residential premises, recorded the location and published the footage, which was subsequently reposted.
Sibal submitted that although X had removed the content, it should remain unavailable.
The Court questioned the legal basis of the suit, including whether the claim was founded on the right to privacy.
Sibal referred to established principles concerning privacy and Press Council norms relating to publication of personal information concerning public figures.
Appearing for Iyer-Mitra, Senior Advocate Percival Billimoria argued that information such as a residential address does not automatically attract an absolute privacy protection.
Justice Datta, however, referred to the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu, indicating that the legal position concerning publication of personal information would require consideration.
Court Issues Summons to Defendants
After hearing the parties, the Delhi High Court issued summons to the defendants named in the suit, including Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, The Pamphlet, Law Beat, The Jaipur Dialogues and The Sunday Guardian.
The matter will next be considered on September 14.
The proceedings will determine the competing claims concerning privacy, publication of personal information and the continued dissemination of material identifying a person’s residence.
Case Highlights
Court: Delhi High Court
Judge: Justice Sachin Datta
Plaintiff: Saurav Das
Key Issue: Publication and circulation of residential address and personal information
Next Hearing: September 14, 2026
Damages Sought: Over ₹2 crore
Keywords
Delhi High Court, Saurav Das privacy case, Abhijit Iyer Mitra, residential address disclosure, right to privacy, Delhi HC summons
