The Delhi High Court recently provided interim relief to professional basketball player Kushal Singh concerning a defamation suit linked to social media posts. On August 1, 2026, Justice Sachin Datta directed the immediate removal of posts on Instagram that allegedly made defamatory claims against the player.

The court mandated that the first defendant must take down all content from her Instagram account that falsely accuses Singh of sexual harassment, misconduct, or similar acts. This order encompasses not only posts but also reels and story highlights associated with the allegations.

In the event of non-compliance by the defendant, Singh retains the right to approach Instagram’s parent company, Meta, compelling them to adhere to the court’s instructions. Additionally, Singh must meet specific procedural requirements within a week as stipulated by the Code of Civil Procedure.

Background of the Allegations

Kushal Singh is recognised as a professional player on the senior Indian National Basketball Team and has participated in various international competitions, including the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2022. The defamation suit claims that the allegations originated from July 2026, initiated by the defendant, who resides in Singapore.

The plaintiff asserted that the defendant engaged in a coordinated campaign on Instagram, posting multiple reels and stories that allegedly contain false accusations. According to Singh, these posts have drawn considerable public attention, potentially damaging his reputation and professional credibility significantly.

Singh’s legal counsel argued that the allegations, which include claims of predatory behaviour towards minors and sexual misconduct, are baseless. They insisted that the posted content is inherently defamatory and has adversely impacted Singh’s standing in the basketball community.

Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

Following the court’s ruling, a series of procedural actions and deadlines have been established to manage the case effectively. The High Court issued summons for the defendants to respond to Singh’s suit within a 30-day window, requiring them to submit a written statement alongside an affidavit regarding the plaintiff’s documents.

The plaintiff has been permitted to file a replication within the following 30 days. The matter has been scheduled for further proceedings before the Joint Registrar (Judicial) on September 17, 2026. This hearing will aim to finalise aspects such as service completion and the admission or denial of evidence, alongside marking of exhibits.

Furthermore, the court has set a date of January 13, 2027, to consider the suit and the interim application, facilitating the ongoing examination of the allegations and the requested relief. The proceedings will continue to ensure that all parties are able to present their arguments effectively.

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