How to Get Right to Be Forgotten
in India
A legal step-by-step guide for individuals and businesses across India. India does not yet have a statutory Right to Be Forgotten but High Courts have exercised this power under Article 21. The Personal Data Protection Bill (2025) will codify this right.
The legal process.
Identify the content: historical content, outdated information, or acquitted criminal records that continue to harm reputation.
Assess eligibility: Right to Be Forgotten is stronger for acquitted individuals, victims of crimes, and content with no ongoing public interest.
High Court petition: filed at the relevant High Court as a writ petition under Article 21 (right to privacy).
Google India notice: formal notice to Google's India operations demanding de-indexing pending the court order.
Court order enforcement: once the High Court issues an order, it is served on all search engines and platform operators.