Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras

Order Date: 16-10-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Applicant(s): Bharath Lajhna Multi State Housing Cooperative Society Limited (BLM), represented by authorised signatory K. Manoharan, registration No. MSCS/CR/235/2006, address: No.48/1, Salmas Royal Residency, T-6, Arcot Road, Saligram, Chennai 600093; and Premkumar R, son of Ravindranathan, residing at 9/10, MM Residency, Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Virugambakkam, Chennai 600092. Respondent(s): Shajan Skariah, son of Skariah, residing at TC 17/3164(11) Pattam Palace PO, Pattom Village, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695004; M/s Google LLC, branch office at Unit No.26, The Executive Centre, Level 8, DLF Centre, Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001; M/s YouTube India Resident Grievance Officer for YouTube, Google LLC – India Liaison Office, Unit No.26, The Executive Centre, Level 8, DLF Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi 110001.
  • Nature of Proceeding: Application under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent seeking leave to sue defendants who reside outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Madras High Court.
  • Allegations: Plaintiffs claim the defendants made defamatory remarks and published offensive allegations against them on various social media platforms, seeking damages. Plaintiffs assert that a substantial part of the cause of action arose within the jurisdiction of this Court.
  • Legal Basis: Clause 12 of the Letters Patent governs original civil jurisdiction where defendants reside outside the Court’s territorial limits; leave is required if part of the cause of action arose within the Court’s jurisdiction.
  • Court’s Observations: After hearing counsel for the applicants and reviewing the affidavit and plaint, the Court is satisfied that sufficient grounds exist to grant leave for the limited purpose of deciding this application.

Final Outcome

  • The Court allowed Application No. 4530 of 2026, granting leave under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent to institute the suit against the defendants, subject to other legal requirements.
  • Plaintiffs are granted liberty to approach the Vacation Court, if necessary, for further jurisdictional clarification.

Topics: Legal Jurisdiction, Defamation Litigation, High Court Procedure