Delhi High Court restrains online content linking Hardeep Puri’s daughter to Jeffrey Epstein

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday restrained the publication and circulation of online content allegedly linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, observing that a prima facie case of defamation had been made out.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, hearing Puri’s plea, held that the balance of convenience lay in her favour and that irreparable harm would be caused if the material was not restrained. The court directed defendants to take down and refrain from publishing or circulating the content detailed in the plaint across platforms.

Also Read: Union Minister Hardeep Puri's daughter files Rs 10 cr defamation suit over online posts linking her to Jeffrey Epstein


Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for Puri, argued that she had been targeted through “highly scurrilous” posts as part of a coordinated and malicious campaign, pointing to both personal and possible political motives. He sought a John Doe order against unidentified individuals behind the content.

Jethmalani told the court that claims suggesting a firm formerly associated with Puri had received funds from Epstein were “completely false and imaginary”, adding that the allegations amounted to imputations of professional misconduct and moral turpitude.

Representing Meta, Senior Advocate Arvind Datar submitted that any direction for global blocking of content could not be enforced by Indian courts, noting that the issue is pending before a division bench. “We operate only within India. We will take down only within India,” he said, adding that intermediaries can act only pursuant to court or government directions.

Counsel for two journalists told the court that statements not made by them were wrongly attributed and that the content was taken down after being contacted by the plaintiff. They cautioned that any adverse order could have a chilling effect on journalistic freedom, noting that Epstein has been the subject of global investigations.

Also Read: Hardeep Puri had 62 email exchanges & 14 meetings with Epstein, must clarify: Congress

In her suit, Himayani Puri has sought Rs 10 crore in damages, along with an unconditional apology and retraction. She alleged that since February 22, 2026, a “coordinated and malicious online campaign” has circulated false and defamatory material across platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and digital news portals.

Describing herself as a finance and investment professional, Puri said the allegations suggesting direct or indirect links with Epstein are “entirely false, malicious and devoid of factual foundation”, and that she has been targeted solely due to her parentage.