The Delhi High Court has closed a petition seeking to halt the streaming of Lady Chatterley’s Lover in India on Netflix. The petitioner alleged that the film contains “excessively graphic sexual scenes and frontal nudity.”
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the plea and granted Raj Kumar liberty to approach the Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council. This Council functions as the Tier-2 mechanism under the Information Technology Rules, 2021 for viewer complaints.
Petitioner Invokes Article 21
Raj Kumar appeared in person and addressed the Court. He submitted that he watched the film at home and that his family members allegedly viewed it inadvertently. He also claimed that minor children saw portions of the film.
On this basis, Kumar stated that he suffered mental distress. He further alleged that the content violated his right to privacy, dignity, and peaceful enjoyment of his home under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
According to him, the film depicts graphic sexual content, frontal nudity, and explicit acts. He contended that these elements render the content obscene and pornographic, and that it breaches contemporary community standards as well as limits permitted under Indian law.
Netflix Cites Prior Disposal of Complaint
Counsel for Netflix India informed the Court that the platform had already examined Kumar’s complaint. Netflix rejected it by a communication dated November 22, 2025, stating that the film does not violate the IT Rules, 2021 or any applicable law.
Netflix also argued that an alternative remedy remains available under the Rules. In particular, the petitioner can approach the Digital Publishers Content Grievance Council (Tier-2). Netflix added that the Council is functional and is chaired by a former Supreme Court judge.
Court Closes Case, Grants Liberty to Approach Council
After recording Netflix’s statement, the High Court disposed of the petition and permitted the petitioner to move the Council.
“In view thereof, the petitioner is granted liberty to approach the concerned Council and if the petitioner does so, there is no doubt that his grievance could not be taken to its logical conclusion,” the Court said.
Case Title: RAJ KUMAR v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR
