New Delhi, Nov. 28 -- Invoking the right to be forgotten, Patiala House of Court has directed major media organisations and search engines to take down and de-index past news reports naming banker Nitin Bhatnagar in the Moser Baer money-laundering case, noting that he now stands fully exonerated.

The order was passed by Principal District & Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna, who observed that the continued online availability of outdated allegations was causing ongoing harm to the plaintiff's dignity and reputation.

The court held that the enduring presence of adverse digital information serves no public interest once criminal proceedings have concluded and the individual has been cleared of all charges.

It noted that past articles sti...