Delhi HC directs removal of social media post alleging centipede found in Amul ice-cream tub

The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to a Noida resident to remove her social media posts claiming she found a centipede in a tub of Amul ice cream she purchased. Justice Manmeet P S Arora, presiding over the case filed by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which markets products under the Amul brand, also restrained the customer from posting similar content until further notice.

Deepa Devi, in a social media post on platform 'X' on June 15, shared a photo purportedly showing a centipede inside the Amul ice cream tub she ordered through an instant delivery app. The court, however, noted that the defendants, Deepa Devi and her husband, did not cooperate in the proceedings and failed to provide the ice cream tub for forensic examination.

"The non-appearance of defendant nos. 1 and 2 evidences their unwillingness to participate in the forensic examination and verification of their claims," observed the court in an interim order.

Justice Arora directed Deepa Devi to remove the social media posts within three days and prohibited her from posting or uploading similar content on any social media platform. The court further restrained the defendants from publishing any content related to the plaintiff or its products in any media until further orders.

The plaintiff company argued that stringent quality checks were in place during every stage of production, ensuring no contamination of its products. They emphasized their readiness to subject the ice cream tub to forensic examination to determine the validity of the claims made.

Represented by senior advocate Sunil Dalal and lawyer Abhishek Singh, the plaintiff company asserted that such claims could damage its reputation and demanded accountability from the defendants.

The court's order stipulates that if the social media posts are not removed within the specified time frame, the plaintiff can request the platform 'X' to delete them. It also allows for a forensic examination by a government laboratory to ascertain the presence of any foreign substance in the ice cream tub.

The case highlights the challenges posed by social media in managing claims against food product manufacturers and underscores the legal recourse available to companies to protect their brand integrity.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 20, 2024, where further decisions are expected regarding the matter.