Category: legal

YouTube pays Trump $24.5M to settle lawsuit over channel suspension

**YouTube Pays Donald Trump $24.5 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over Channel Suspension**

*By Mudit Dube | September 30, 2025, 11:25 AM*

YouTube has agreed to pay former U.S. President Donald Trump $24.5 million, settling a lawsuit he filed in 2021. The legal action alleged that the platform wrongfully suspended his channel following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This settlement is the latest in a series of multimillion-dollar agreements between Trump and major tech companies over decisions related to his social media accounts.

### Details of the Lawsuit

Trump’s lawsuit accused YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai of engaging in “impermissible censorship.” He argued that the platform holds “an unprecedented concentration of power, market share, and ability to dictate our nation’s public discourse.” Trump claimed that suspending his channel violated his First Amendment rights and sought damages in the trillions for what he described as censorship.

### YouTube’s Response and Channel Suspension

YouTube justified its decision to suspend Trump’s channel by citing violations of its policies against inciting violence. On January 12, 2021, the platform initially suspended the channel for seven days after Trump posted a video defending his speech to supporters before the Capitol riot as “totally appropriate.” This suspension was later extended indefinitely due to ongoing concerns regarding potential violence.

### Policy Shifts and Channel Reinstatement

In a recent policy update, YouTube announced that it would reinstate creators who were previously banned for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The company emphasized its support for diverse conservative voices on the platform.

Following a thorough review of real-world violence risks, YouTube reinstated Trump’s channel in March 2023. The company highlighted the importance of giving voters access to content from all major national candidates ahead of elections.

### Trump’s Other Settlements with Media and Tech Giants

YouTube is not the only major company to reach a settlement with Trump over account suspensions and content restrictions. Previously, ABC and CBS parent company Paramount settled with Trump while seeking Federal Communications Commission approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance. The merger was approved shortly after the settlement.

In addition, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, settled a lawsuit with Trump in January 2025 for $25 million. Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) paid $10 million to settle another lawsuit with Trump earlier in February.

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This latest settlement underscores the ongoing tension between major social media platforms and high-profile political figures regarding content moderation and free speech on digital platforms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/youtube-pays-24-5m-to-settle-trump-lawsuit-over-account-suspension/story

Three family members killed in Co Louth home named locally

The deceased have been named locally as Louise and Mark O’Connor, who were in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s. It is not yet clear if all the victims were stabbed, if they died from blunt force trauma, or if the cause of death was the same for all three individuals. However, no firearms were used in the incident.

Sources have indicated that it must have been a sustained and determined attack to kill three adults. The suspected killings are believed to have taken place at or after breakfast time, although what preceded the violence is still under investigation.

Gardaí have emphasized that it is very early in their inquiry, noting that officers first arrived at the scene just before 10 a.m.

The incident occurred at a remote house—a pretty cottage situated in a well-maintained area—in a secluded townland of Drumgowna, near Tallanstown, on the western side of County Louth. The family is well-known in the local community.

Authorities have stated they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the case. Sources have described the situation as very raw and tragic.

The suspect, a male in his 30s, is understood to have a diagnosis of a serious psychiatric illness and was taking prescribed medication. Gardaí are examining whether he had been taking his medication in recent days, and if not, whether this could be a contributing factor.

**Garda Statement**

Gardaí continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding a fatal incident at a residential property in Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth, which occurred on the morning of Monday, September 29, 2025.

Officers responded to a call shortly before 10 a.m. Upon arrival, three people—a male and a female in their 50s and a male in his 20s—were found deceased at the scene.

A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda northwestern region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. This allows for up to 24 hours in custody, excluding any medical consultations or sleep breaks.

The scene is subject to an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau. The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified.

The remains of the deceased have been removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted tomorrow.

The investigation is being managed from an incident room at Ardee Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Additionally, a family liaison officer has been assigned to support and keep the family informed.

**Appeal for Information**

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Garda Investigation Team by calling Drogheda Garda Station at 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/three-family-members-killed-in-co-louth-home-named-locally-1812762.html

Vodafone Idea files amended petition in SC seeking AGR relief

**Vodafone Idea Files Amended Petition in Supreme Court Seeking AGR Relief**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 04:36 PM*

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has filed an amended petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a waiver of interest and penalty on its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The company has also requested a recalculation of its AGR liabilities, citing previous cases where similar demands were accepted.

This latest petition marks a change from Vi’s earlier plea, which focused solely on recalculating AGR liabilities without addressing interest and penalties.

### Hearing Postponed to October 6

Last week, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on Vi’s plea to October 6. During the proceedings, the Centre expressed that it does not oppose Vi’s petition but emphasized the need for a solution, noting that the government itself is an equity holder in the company.

The hearing relates to the Department of Telecom’s (DoT) demand of ₹5,606 crore for the financial year 2016-17 against Vodafone Idea.

### Legal Arguments and Additional Relief Sought

In its amended petition, Vi contended that the dues in question were already “crystallized” by the 2019 AGR judgment and thus should not be reopened. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the adjournment to October 6.

Vodafone Idea cited earlier court judgments where waivers on interest and penalties had been granted. The company has now asked for additional relief, seeking that interest, penalty, and interest on penalties on principal AGR dues not be payable.

### Background: The AGR Case and Its Significance

The case originates from the Supreme Court’s March 18, 2020 order, which upheld AGR dues up to FY17 as calculated by the DoT, barring any reassessment by telecom operators. Despite this ruling, the DoT has raised fresh claims for FY18 and FY19.

Vi argues that much of the new demand overlaps with periods already settled by the apex court.

### Government’s Equity Stake in Vodafone Idea

As part of a financial restructuring, the Central government now holds a 48.99% stake in Vodafone Idea, having converted ₹53,083 crore of dues into equity.

Of the fresh demand totaling ₹9,450 crore, ₹2,774 crore pertains to the Idea Group and Vodafone Idea (post-merger), while ₹6,675 crore relates to the Vodafone Group for the pre-merger period.

### Outstanding AGR Dues and Liabilities

Vodafone Idea already owes ₹83,400 crore in AGR dues, with annual installments of ₹18,000 crore set to begin from March. Including penalties and interest, the company’s total liabilities to the government are estimated at around ₹2 lakh crore.

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*This ongoing AGR dispute remains critical, given its large financial implications for Vodafone Idea and the telecom sector at large.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/vodafone-idea-files-amended-petition-for-agr-relief-in-sc/story

Ilaiyaraaja’s case against Sony Music: HC seeks revenue details

**Ilaiyaraaja’s Case Against Sony Music: Madras High Court Seeks Revenue Details**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 27, 2025, 4:19 PM*

The Madras High Court has directed Sony Music Entertainment India Private Limited to disclose the revenue earned from the commercial exploitation of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja’s musical works. The order was issued by Justice N Senthilkumar during the hearing of civil suits filed by Ilaiyaraaja against Sony Music, Oriental Records, and Echo Recording Company Private Limited. The composer alleges unauthorized use and exploitation of his creations.

**Legal Allegations**

Ilaiyaraaja has claimed infringement of his rights, stating that the companies involved have failed to pay him the legally mandated equal share of royalties. He insists that his works were commercially exploited without proper authorization or compensation.

**Ongoing Legal Proceedings**

Senior counsel Vijay Narayan, representing Sony Music, informed the court that two related cases are currently pending before the Division Benches of the Madras High Court and the Bombay High Court. He requested additional time to submit a detailed counter affidavit responding to Ilaiyaraaja’s recent suit.

Justice Senthilkumar accepted the request and instructed Sony Music to present the requested revenue records during the next hearing scheduled for October 22.

The case continues to draw attention as it highlights crucial issues surrounding rights and royalties in the music industry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/madras-hc-orders-sony-to-reveal-earnings-from-ilaiyaraaja-s-songs/story

Krafton accuses former Subnautica leads of misconduct in new legal filing

The ongoing legal saga between *Subnautica 2* publisher Krafton and the former leaders of developer Unknown Worlds continues to unfold. New filings from Krafton accuse these ex-leaders of misconduct related to their efforts to self-publish the upcoming *Subnautica 2*.

Recently, two new legal documents from Krafton were made public. These filings allege that former Unknown Worlds leaders Max McGuire and Charlie Cleveland downloaded thousands of *Subnautica 2* files during June and July, just before their departure from the company. Krafton claims that only some of these documents have been returned.

In response to the situation, Krafton provided the following statement to Shacknews.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146075/krafton-subnautica-2-devs-misconduct-lawsuit

Mumbai Housing Society Queries: ‘Co-Opted Members Cannot Vote In Managing Committee Polls,’ Says Expert

**Nomination, Membership, Voting Rights, and Meeting Notices in Cooperative Housing Societies**

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**Q1: My sister and I are non-resident Indians. I am the 100% nominee to my parents’ flat in Mumbai. After their death, my sister claimed a 50% share, and I asked her to reimburse half of the expenses incurred towards the flat from 2019 (when both my parents had passed away) till date. Given the dispute, the managing committee (MC) has not admitted me as a member. The society is going for redevelopment and has asked both of us to sign the consent for the same. The secretary told me that in case of limbo, they will approach the registrar, adding that the builder will take over the flat. Is it possible that the builder or my sister can take over the flat? Can I be admitted as a member? Also, can my sister directly interact with the society?**
— *Rajeev Nischal, Mumbai*

**Answer:**
If your nomination is duly registered, the society must admit you as a provisional member. However, full membership will be granted only after the legal heirs are brought on record by submitting one of the following documents: a succession certificate, a legal heirship certificate, or a duly registered family arrangement, as per Section 154B-13 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act.

Your sister, as a legal heir, can interact with the society, but she cannot take over the flat. Similarly, the builder cannot take over the flat without proper legal authority.

The society should not entertain any request from your sister to transfer the flat in her name unless she produces valid legal documents mentioned above.

Since your sister has claimed a share, it is important that both of you settle your differences amicably and decide who will hold the ownership and in what proportion.

It is in your best interest to resolve these disputes through a family arrangement document that records the understanding between both of you. This process is cost-effective, time-saving, and straightforward. Please note that both of you will need to be present for the registration of such an agreement.

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**Q2: Can a member nominated or elected on account of a casual vacancy vote in the society meetings? I have been told that a co-opted member does not have the right to vote.**
— *Namita Desai, Dahisar*

**Answer:**
Yes, a member nominated or elected to fill a casual vacancy in the Managing Committee (MC) has the right to vote in society meetings.

When a casual vacancy occurs due to reasons like death, resignation, or disqualification, the remaining committee members may fill the position by nominating an eligible member. Such a member is considered a full-fledged member for the remainder of the original member’s term and enjoys all rights and responsibilities of an elected member, including voting rights.

It is important to distinguish between a nominated member filling a casual vacancy and a co-opted member:

– The MC can co-opt up to two ‘expert directors’ relevant to the society’s objects and activities. These co-opted members do not have voting rights in MC elections and cannot be elected as office-bearers.

– Similarly, the MC can co-opt up to two ‘functional directors’ who are excluded from the count of total members and do not have voting rights in meetings.

(Refer to Bylaw 115 (b) (c) for details)

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**Q3: Our society secretary never mentions the meeting agenda. Isn’t it mandatory to give the agenda along with the notice? What remedies do we have if the secretary fails to issue the meeting notice?**
— *Parekh Nitin, Ghatkopar*

**Answer:**
Yes, it is mandatory for the secretary to provide the meeting agenda along with the notice. The secretary must give at least three clear days’ notice to all members. The notice should include the date, time, and place of the meeting along with details of the business to be transacted.

If the secretary fails to issue the notice with the agenda:

– The chairman of the society is required to issue the notice.

– If both the secretary and chairman fail, the housing federation, with which the society is affiliated, may convene the meeting upon receiving information and a formal request.

You may approach the housing federation and request their intervention.

Additionally, you can file a complaint with the registrar for non-compliance with the rules.

(Refer to Bylaws 98, 132, and 140)

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*The above questions were answered by Sharmila Ranade, a legal expert associated with Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.*

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**Got more questions?**
You may send them in brief to: fpjchs@gmail.com

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-housing-society-queries-co-opted-members-cannot-vote-in-managing-committee-polls-says-expert

SC defers hearing on bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, others

The activists have challenged a September 2 Delhi High Court order which denied bail to nine people.

While the High Court stated that the right to participate in peaceful protests and to make speeches in public meetings is protected under Article 19(1)(a), the bail was still denied in this case.

Exciting news! Mid-day is now available on WhatsApp Channels.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/delhi-riots-case-sc-defers-hearing-on-bail-pleas-of-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-others-23594913

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