Delhi High Court - Orders
Minor Victim Through Next Friend vs Meta Platforms Inc & Ors on 8 September, 2025
Author: Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav
Bench: Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav
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* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ CS(OS) 395/2025 and I.A. 14863/2025 ,
MINOR VICTIM THROUGH NEXT FRIEND .....Plaintiff
Through: Ms.Simran Brar, Mr.Raghav,
MS.Nabeena, Mr.Fatehh and
Ms.Ruhi, Advocates.
versus
META PLATFORMS INC & ORS. .....Defendants
Through: Mr.Anuj, Ms.Anusha and
Mr.Atharva, Advocates for D-7.
Ms.Mamta Jha, Mr.Rohan,
Ms.Shruttima, Ms.Aishwarya and
Ms.Devangini, Advocates for D-8.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV
ORDER
% 08.09.2025 I.A. 14864/2025 (under Rule 3(1) of the information technology (intermediary guidelines and digital media ethics code) rules of 2021 read with section 151 of CPC)
1. So far as the instant application is concerned, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the plaintiff fairly submits that in view of the information being furnished by defendant no.1, the same has rendered infructuous.
2. Accordingly, the instant application stands disposed of as rendered infructuous.
I.A. 14865/2025 (under Chapter VII Rule 17 of the Delhi High Court (Original Side), Rules of 2018 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/09/2025 at 21:35:40
1. The applicant in the instant application prays for the following reliefs:-
"a) Pass an Order directing the establishment of a confidentiality club so that documents pertaining to this matter are not divulged outside the same; and (Can discuss as to how this prayer can be framed because I am also)
b) Pass any other Order(s)/ Relief(s) as this Hon'ble Court deems fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present case in favour of the Plaintiff and against the Defendants in the interest of justice."
2. Considering the nature of the issues involved in the present suit, this Court is of the view that a confidentiality club should be constituted to ensure that documents and information pertaining to the suit are not disclosed to third parties.
3. Let the concerned Registrar take necessary steps, in accordance with law, to establish the confidentiality club. Further, the order passed in this matter shall not be uploaded on the official website of the Court but shall be communicated to the parties via their respective email addresses.
4. With the aforesaid observations, the instant application stands disposed of.
I.A. 14866/20251. The applicant in the instant application prays for the following reliefs:-
"a) Grant leave to the Applicant to file the present suit before this Hon'ble Court on behalf of the Minor Victim as her Next Friend under Order XXXII Rule 1 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 ; and
b) Pass any other Order(s)/ Relief(s) as this Hon'ble Court deems fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present case in favour of the Plaintiff and against the Defendants in the interest of justice."
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/09/2025 at 21:35:40
2. The plaintiff seems to be a minor, as stated in the plaint.
3. The Court, accordingly, grants leave to the plaintiff's mother, her natural guardian, to act as her next friend for the purpose of prosecuting the suit.
4. With the aforesaid direction, the instant application stands disposed of.
I.A. 14868/2025 (under Order I Rule 3 of CPC)
1. It appears that defendant nos.2 to 6 have already been arrayed and are served as per the details furnished by defendant no.1.
2. Amended memo of parties has already been placed on record.
3. In view of the aforesaid, the instant application also stands disposed of.
I.A. 20978/2025 (seeking exemption from filing duly apostilled versions of its written statement, reply to plaintiff's interim application no.14863/ 2025, and application seeking condonation of delay in filing its written statement)
1. The applicant in the instant application prays for the following reliefs:-
"a. Exempt Meta Platforms, Inc., Defendant No. 1, from filing duly apostilled versions of its Responsive Pleadings, which Meta Platforms, Inc. undertakes to file as soon as possible; and b. Pass any other or further order(s) or direction(s) as deemed fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present Suit in the interest of justice."
2. Having heard learned counsel for the applicant and for the reasons assigned therein, exemption is granted subject to exceptions and to place on record the necessary compliance within a period of four weeks from today.
3. The application stands disposed of.
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/09/2025 at 21:35:40 I.A.21989/2025 (Condonation of delay)
1. The delay in filing the written statement by defendant no.1 stands condoned as the same has been filed within a period of 120 days.
2. The same is allowed to be taken on record.
3. In view of the aforesaid, the instant application stands disposed of. I.A. 14863/2025 (under Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 of CPC)
1. So far as the prayers made in the instant application are concerned, the same shall be considered after the directions and the liberty granted by the Court vide order dated 02.09.2025 is fully carried out.
2. List this application for consideration on 27.01.2026.
PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV, J SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 Nc/sph This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/09/2025 at 21:35:40