Adani Video Takedown: Government Declares War on Dhruv Rathee, Ravish Kumar, and Other YouTubers

In a move that has sent a chilling shockwave across the Indian internet, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has declared an all-out war on some of the nation's most prominent YouTubers and digital news outlets. The government has issued a stunning directive, ordering the removal of over 200 videos and posts critical of the Adani Enterprises Limited. This unprecedented crackdown, targeting giants like Dhruv Rathee, Ravish Kumar, and Deshbhakt, is being slammed as a direct assault on the freedom of the press and a terrifying glimpse into a future where dissent is silenced.

The takedown order, which affects a staggering 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts, was issued following a controversial ex-parte court order from a Delhi court on September 6, 2025. The order gave the creators a mere 36 hours to comply, a move that has been widely condemned as a denial of their right to be heard. The government has even roped in Google and Meta, the parent companies of YouTube and Instagram, to enforce the takedown, ensuring that the content will be scrubbed from the internet, one way or another.

The YouTubers Fight Back: A "Compliment" and a Call to Arms

The creators at the center of this firestorm are not taking this lying down. Akash Banerjee, popularly known as Deshbhakt, fired back with a scathing tweet, calling the move a "compliment" to the power of independent creators. He argued that the Adani Group's attempt to silence them through a court order obtained without their presence only proves that their voices are a threat to the powerful.

"This isn't just a political issue but also a question of press freedom and democracy," he declared, comparing the current situation to the dark days of the Emergency. His powerful statement has become a rallying cry for a community that feels it is under siege. The message is clear: they will not be intimidated, and they will continue to question those in power, no matter the cost.

Ravish Kumar's Sarcastic Retort: "Adani Video Takedown Day"

Veteran journalist Ravish Kumar, another target of the takedown order, responded with his signature brand of biting sarcasm. He mockingly suggested that September 17th should be celebrated as "Adani Video Takedown Day," complete with processions and candle lighting to commemorate the "victory" over YouTubers. His satirical response highlights the absurdity of the situation, where a multi-billion dollar corporation is using its might to silence its critics.

"The millions of YouTubers in India should not only send their best wishes to the Prime Minister but also light incense sticks in front of Adani ji's picture and pray that their videos remain safe," he wrote, a thinly veiled jab at the perceived collusion between corporate interests and the government. The statement, dripping with irony, has gone viral, further fueling the outrage against the takedown order.

The Chilling Effect: Is This the End of Online Criticism in India?

The implications of this move are far-reaching and deeply troubling. The Editors Guild of India has condemned the "John Doe" ex-parte injunction, calling it a "troubling" development that poses a significant risk to legitimate reporting. By allowing a powerful entity to obtain a takedown order without giving the accused a chance to defend themselves, the court has set a dangerous precedent. For more on the legal implications of this, see our previous article: The Rise of SLAPP Suits: How Corporations Are Silencing Journalists.

This isn't just about a few videos; it's about the future of free speech in the world's largest democracy. If a corporation can so easily silence its critics with the help of the government, what's to stop them from going after anyone who dares to speak out? The Adani video takedown is a test case, a canary in the coal mine for the health of Indian democracy. And right now, the canary is struggling to breathe.

The Adani Controversy: What's All the Fuss About?

For those who are new to this saga, the Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has been embroiled in a series of controversies, from allegations of stock market manipulation to accusations of environmental violations. The videos that have been targeted for removal are part of a larger body of work by independent journalists and creators who have been investigating these claims. Our in-depth report, The Adani Files: A Deep Dive into the Allegations, provides a comprehensive overview of the situation.

The government's decision to side with Adani in this dispute has only added fuel to the fire, raising serious questions about the nexus between big business and the state. The takedown order is being seen as a blatant attempt to protect a powerful corporate entity from public scrutiny, a move that is as undemocratic as it is alarming.

The Battle for the Internet: What Happens Next?

The 36-hour deadline has passed, and the fate of the 221 videos and posts hangs in the balance. Will the creators comply, or will they defy the order and risk further legal action? And what role will Google and Meta play in this high-stakes drama? The world is watching to see how this battle for the soul of the Indian internet will play out.

One thing is for sure: the Adani video takedown has ignited a firestorm that will not be easily extinguished. The YouTubers have drawn a line in the sand, and their defiance has inspired a new wave of resistance against what they see as a growing tide of authoritarianism. Will this be the moment that the Indian internet community rises up and reclaims its voice? Or is this the beginning of a new era of censorship and silence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.