News agency Asian News International (ANI) has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against YouTuber Mohak Mangal, alleging that a recent video published on his channel contains false, misleading, and defamatory statements that have caused serious harm to its business and reputation. The suit pertains to a video titled “Dear ANI” published by Mr. Mangal on May 25, 2025, on his YouTube channel in which he criticises ANI’s use of copyright strikes against content creators. Also Read | After ANI’s licence fee demand, PTI offers ‘affordable’ videos to YouTubers The plea said Mr. Mangal in the video alleged that the agency is “holding people hostage” and engaging in “extortion and blackmail” under the pretext of copyright enforcement. Mr. Mangal also urged viewers to unsubscribe from ANI’s services. ANI’s petition argues that the video has had a “demonstrable adverse impact” on its goodwill, public credibility, and business operations. The suit had also made comedian Kunal Kamra and AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair as party for allegedly further propagating the false and misleading narrative set up by Mr. Mangal. ANI said the video triggered widespread online harassment and adverse reactions from the public towards it. The agency pointed out that Mr. Mangal has admitted to using ANI’s copyrighted video content in his own monetised videos. It said the video reflects a “calculated and malicious attack on the reputation, credibility, and goodwill of the plaintiff, but also its registered trademarks”. ANI has urged the court to direct Mr. Mangal to take down the video and restrain him from using ANI’s registered trademarks in any form. It has also asked for damages amounting to ₹2.10 crore. The plea is listed for hearing on Thursday.