Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, has announced that he is looking at taking international legal action following the Indian court blocking his documentary on the relationship between PM Narendra Modi and the billionaire Gautam Adani.

Bhatia has characterised the situation as an attack on his right to free speech and is calling on anyone else who has had their free speech similarly curtailed to come forward and share their story. The issue has once again brought into focus the question of free speech and the boundaries of criticism of powerful business groups.

Why Is Sabeer Bhatia Considering International Legal Action on Adani?

Bhatia’s 36-minute documentary The Friendship Files was uploaded to his YouTube channel on 9th October 2026 in conjunction with Shadow Citizens. It looked at the relationship between Modi and Adani and raised questions about the billionaire’s business.

Adani Enterprises has instituted a defamation suit, asserting that the documentary contained false and defamatory statements. On 26th October, the Calcutta High Court issued an order that the documentary and all its copies be removed from the internet, with the interim order continuing in force until 31st January 2027.

The Court was very clear that the order did not preclude criticism or the publication of fair reports on the basis of evidence.

Calls for Support from Citizens Who Have Grievances With Government

In response to the row, Bhatia said the actions of the Indian Government and Adani had ‘awakened a sleeping giant’. He described their behaviour as reprehensible and stated that he was looking at international legal recourse.

He has also invited anyone who felt they had been wronged by the Government or its affiliates to come forward with their complaints. Bhatia indicated that he will hire renowned lawyers and a team from across the world to fight for his case.

“I am assembling the world’s greatest team to take on this corrupt government and its cronies.— Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) October 30, 2026” said Bhatia

His proposed litigation arises in the context of wider concerns about the restrictions on reporting on powerful corporate groups. It’s not at all clear whether Bhatia will actually pursue the case internationally and, if so, in which jurisdiction.

It is also not clear whether the jurisdiction of the International Court can be enforced in a country like India which has its own jurisdiction.