Three YouTube Channels Blocked Over Dharmasthala Coverage

### Quick Summary
– Interim high Court order blocked three YouTube channels, including Kannada news portal *Eedina.com*, due to objections raised by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project and family members of D. Veerendra Heggade.
– The channels were criticized for their reporting on certain developments related to Dharmasthala.
– The interim order, issued on May 27, 2025, directed emergent notices to be served.- the channels were officially blocked on July 10 without prior notice. Notices were received post-blocking by the affected parties (July 11).
– Blocked channels include *Eedina.com*, *sanchari Studio Plus*, and *Kudla Rampage Plus*.
– Concern was expressed regarding free speech: H.V. Vasu from *Eedina.com* stated legal efforts would be undertaken in response.—

### Indian Opinion Analysis
The blocking of YouTube channels following a judicial directive underscores a tension between content moderation and freedom of expression in India’s democratic framework. While the petitioners seemed focused on addressing their grievances regarding media coverage around Dharmasthala developments, the lack of prior notice raises valid concerns about procedural fairness for affected platforms. This case highlights how digital media disputes are increasingly being adjudicated in courts as traditional norms adapt to modern challenges posed by wide-reaching technologies like YouTube.

For India,such instances may set precedents regarding regulatory approaches for online content dissemination-balancing accountability with protection of democratic freedoms like free speech-and strengthening equitable safeguards within judicial mechanisms will remain critical going forward.

Read more: The Hindu, Published – July 12, 2025