In a landmark decision that will have widespread ramifications in the entertainment industry, The Delhi High Court has asked Google LLC to remove from YouTube filmmaker Rahul Mittra’s hit 2011 Bollywood film Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster which was recently uploaded illegally on the social media platform. Justice Rajiv Shakdher in an interim order on Tuesday, directed Youtube to take down the film within 48 hours, after its lawyer said that the platform has been taken over by US-based Google LLC which will comply with the direction.

The order came on a lawsuit filed by the film's producer, Rahul, who is the sole owner of all the rights in perpetuity. In his plea, Mittra contended that uploading of the film on Youtube has degraded his rights causing him wrongful loss as this may affect the sale of the thriller to digital, video streaming and satellite platforms. The High Court issued notice to YouTube and Google LLC seeking their response to the lawsuit. The proceedings were held via video conferencing. 

Recommended Read: Filmmaker Rahul Mittra alleges fraud by co-producer, FIR lodged

"Furthermore, having heard learned counsel for the parties, I am inclined to direct defendant No. 1 (Youtube) to take down the subject movie. At this stage, Mamta Rani Jha (YouTube's lawyer) also informs me that defendant No. 1 has been taken over by a US entity by the name Google LLC and that the aforesaid directions will be complied with by the said entity. The statement of Ms. Jha in this behalf is taken on record," the judge said.

Rahul is a popular Bollywood film-maker, having produced films like the Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster trilogy starring Jimmy Sheirgill, Randeep Hooda and Mahie Gill, Revolver Rani starring Kangana Ranaut, Bullett Raja starring Saif Ali Khan, Sarkar 3 starring Amitabh Bachchan and the upcoming Torbaaz starring Sanjay Dutt, amongst others.