A prominent representative of India’s ruling BJP party is filing a lawsuit to eliminate social media posts that ridicule him for being on national television without pants.
Defamation Lawsuit Filed
On Tuesday, Gaurav Bhatia lodged a defamation lawsuit in the Delhi High Court, claiming that a video clip allegedly depicting him inappropriately attired on television was being shared without his approval.
Mr. Bhatia participated in a television debate on 12 September dressed in an Indian tunic, but reportedly without suitable trousers. The video became popular on social media, and internet users along with opposition party members promptly mocked the politician.
The opposition Samajwadi Party’s media unit posted:
“Observe Gaurav Bhatia, the brazen, crude, rhetoric-loving individual from the BJP appearing in a TV debate without pajamas. Isn’t he embarrassed?”
As the video circulated on social media, an increasing number of people participated in ridiculing the blunder.
Bhatia’s Response
Mr. Bhatia clarified he was “wearing a kurta and shorts.”
>”If a cameraman makes a mistake,” he continued, as reported by the Hindustan Times, “that doesn’t excuse defamatory comments, such as claiming I’m coming from a PMO meeting.”
Self Goal by Gaurav Bhatia😭
Bhatia moves to HC for removal of posts where he was caught without pants on TV show
Court said they’ll order take down of content referring to his pvt parts but satire posts won’t be taken down
Kudos to the judge for not laughing during hearing😂 pic.twitter.com/14eJdxDfH5
— Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) September 23, 2025
Mr. Bhatia requested the elimination of any internet content containing vulgar language, asserting that “a person’s reputation is built over many years.” He also stated that this kind of content “must be taken down due to the existence of AI-generated content, and images are being altered.”
He aimed to have posts taken down by the Samajwadi Party, news platform Newslaundry, public officials, and reporters.
Court’s Initial Stand
The judge stated he would issue an injunction to prevent defamatory posts regarding Mr. Bhatia’s genitalia, but would not censor satirical or sarcastic content concerning the video.
Mr. Bhatia emphasized that “any instances referencing male genitalia and any use of offensive language must be removed.”
Online Backlash
His defamation lawsuit sparked another online uproar, with many labeling it a demonstration of the Barbra Streisand effect — where attempts to suppress content only draw more attention to it.
One user on X remarked:
“Self Goal by Gaurav Bhatia.”
