Delhi High Court Orders Removal of False Online Posts Claiming CJI, Judges and Union Ministers Attended London Badminton Event

The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate removal of online content that falsely claimed Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant, several Supreme Court and High Court judges, and Union Ministers travelled to London to participate in a badminton tournament at public expense.

Justice Tejas Karia passed the order while hearing a petition filed by the Badminton Association of India (BAI). The association argued that several news reports, YouTube videos and social media posts had wrongly suggested that senior judges and government ministers attended the 2nd International Bar and Bench Badminton Championship in London.

The Union Government informed the Court that the allegations were completely false. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified that photographs being circulated online were actually taken during a national-level Bar and Bench badminton tournament held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025. The government further stated that the CJI had visited London only for official engagements and had not participated in any badminton event there. It also clarified that the ministers named in the reports had not travelled to London during the relevant period.

After examining the material, the Court observed that the publications were based on incorrect facts and appeared to be part of a coordinated misinformation campaign. It held that such false content had the potential to damage public confidence in the judiciary.

The Court directed authorities to ensure the removal of the identified content within 24 hours and preserve details of those responsible for uploading it so that appropriate legal action may be taken.