The Delhi High Court has temporarily stayed a trial court’s judgment that awarded Rs. 40 lakh in damages to Arun Kumar Gupta in a defamation case against HT Media Limited and another appellant. Justice Mini Pushkarna issued the stay order on August 14, 2025, while hearing an appeal challenging the June 6, 2025, decree by the District Judge, South East District, Saket Courts.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose from a 2007 article titled “Get Smart, Email with Care,” published by HT Media. The piece discussed the misuse of emails and referenced a court case involving Gupta, who alleged defamation. The trial court ruled in Gupta’s favor, stating the article falsely implied financial irregularities by him, despite his resignation from the company in question.
HT Media’s counsel argued the article was cautiously worded, using terms like “alleged” and “purportedly” to reflect unproven claims. They emphasized its purpose was public awareness, not defamation. The trial court acknowledged the article’s balanced tone but concluded it harmed Gupta’s reputation.
“The use of ‘alleged’ and ‘purportedly’ clearly informed readers the claims were unproven,” the appellants’ counsel noted.
Justice Pushkarna noted the trial court’s findings but questioned whether the article’s language constituted defamation. The High Court issued notice to Gupta, seeking his response within four weeks, and stayed the trial court’s decree until the next hearing on December 19, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The stay order highlights the tension between media rights and defamation laws.
- The case underscores the importance of precise language in journalism.
- The final ruling could set a precedent for similar disputes.
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The Delhi High Court’s decision will be closely watched by media organizations and legal experts alike.
Case Title: HT Media Limited & Anr. vs. Arun Kumar Gupta & Ors.
Case Number: RFA 724/2025
