ANI Sues YouTuber Thugesh for Copyright Infringement, Seeks Damages

ANI Sues YouTuber Thugesh for Copyright Infringement, Seeks Damages

Introduction

News agency Asian News International (ANI) has filed a commercial suit before a Delhi court over alleged copyright infringement of its videos by YouTuber Thugesh (aka Mahesh Rajesh Keshwala) in the matter ANI Media Pvt. Ltd. v. Mahesh Rajesh Keshwala & Anr.

Factual Background

ANI has alleged that Thugesh used the news agency's interview clips on his YouTube channel ‘Thugesh Unfiltered’ without any license or consent. In its suit, ANI has specifically flagged four such YouTube videos.

Procedural Background

ANI had previously issued copyright strikes on YouTube, but Thugesh filed counter-strikes claiming “fair use.”

The matter came up before District & Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala at the Patiala House Courts, who noted that Defendant No. 1 was served by email on July 14, 2025, and that the 30-day period for filing a written statement would expire on August 14, 2025.

The Court accordingly adjourned the matter and directed that written statements be filed.

Contentions of the Parties

• ANI's Contentions: ANI alleges copyright infringement, piracy, plagiarism, and unjust enrichment, claiming that Thugesh's channel was used to unlawfully reproduce, publish, and disseminate ANI's works without any license, authorisation, or consent. In several instances, ANI contends, the works were reproduced in their entirety, constituting a clear infringement under the Copyright Act.
• Thugesh's Contentions: Thugesh has asserted that his use of ANI's content falls under “fair use.”
• Google's Position: Google, also arrayed as a defendant, sought time to verify the veracity of the claims in the plaint.

Court’s Analysis

The Court briefly heard the matter and emphasised the need for procedural compliance, including verifying the claims before proceeding further.

Outcome

The Court adjourned the matter to September 12, 2025, for further hearing, granting time to Google for verification and to the defendants for filing written statements.

Representation

• For ANI (Plaintiff): Advocate Anshika Saxena
• For Thugesh (Defendant No. 1): Advocates Nakul Gandhi and Tanish Gupta
• For Google (Defendant No. 2): Advocate Shruttima Ehersa