In a sharp interim ruling, the Delhi High Court on Friday (20 March) directed digital media platform Newslaundry to take down certain remarks targeting TV Today Network and its channels, Aaj Tak and India Today.
Background of the Case
The dispute traces back to October 2021, when TV Today filed a suit alleging that Newslaundry published videos and articles containing defamatory and derogatory statements against its channels, anchors, and management.
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Newslaundry, in response, defended its content as satire and criticism protected under free speech.
A single-judge Bench in July 2022 had refused interim relief to TV Today, prompting both sides to file cross appeals.
A Division Bench of Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla found merit in TV Today’s grievance.
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The bench observed,
‘A prima facie case of commercial disparagement has been made out. The statements… are clearly without any independent standard and are biased.’
The Court noted that certain remarks-such as “shit,” “shit show,” and “high on weed or opium”-were plainly disparaging.
It further stated that allowing such content to remain online would cause “serious and irreparable harm” to TV Today’s reputation.
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“Such harm cannot be compensated by monetary relief… interim protection is warranted,” the Bench added.
Allowing TV Today’s appeal in part, the Court directed Newslaundry to remove specific disparaging statements from its website and social media platforms.
The order emphasized that failure to grant interim relief at this stage would cause significant prejudice to the media network.
Case Title: TV Today Network Ltd vs Newslaundry Media Pvt Ltd Other Connected Matter
