The Supreme Court on June 12, 2026, referred the long-running defamation dispute between Karnataka cadre IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri and IPS officer D. Roopa Moudgil to mediation, expressing concern over the impact of the continuing legal battle on the careers of both officers.
A Bench comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Kurian Joseph as mediator and stayed all ongoing proceedings arising from the rival complaints during the mediation process.
Background of the Case
The dispute traces back to 2023, when allegations and counter-allegations between the two senior officers became public. The controversy led to multiple civil and criminal defamation proceedings being initiated by both sides.
According to court records, Ms. Sindhuri alleged that Ms. Moudgil had made statements and social media posts that harmed her reputation. She sought legal remedies, including criminal defamation proceedings and damages.
On the other hand, Ms. Moudgil later filed a separate complaint alleging that defamatory remarks had been made against her as well. The litigation continued through various courts, including the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court.
Earlier proceedings before the Supreme Court had also resulted in directions for the removal of certain social media posts concerning the dispute.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court indicated that continued litigation was serving neither side and that a negotiated settlement would be more appropriate.
Justice Sharma observed,
“Both are excellent officers. They are ruining each other's career.”
The Bench noted that the dispute appeared suitable for mediation and passed an order appointing Justice Kurian Joseph to facilitate discussions between the parties.
In its order, the Court observed,
“In the present case, this court is of the opinion that the matter can be resolved by way of mediation.”
The Court directed both officers to appear before the mediator and attempt an amicable resolution.
The matter reached the Supreme Court after Ms. Sindhuri challenged a Karnataka High Court judgment that had declined to quash criminal defamation proceedings initiated on a complaint filed by Ms. Moudgil.
The High Court had upheld the trial court's decision to take cognisance of the complaint, finding that the Magistrate had examined the available material before issuing process.
The High Court also held that issues such as whether statements were made in good faith or for public good required evidence and could be decided only during trial.
Allowing mediation efforts to proceed, the Supreme Court appointed Justice (Retd.) Kurian Joseph as mediator to help resolve the dispute between the two officers.
The Bench further ordered that all proceedings relating to the cases pending between the parties shall remain stayed during the mediation process.
With that direction, the Court disposed of the matter for the present stage and directed the parties to participate in mediation.
Case Details:
Case Title: Rohini Sindhuri v. Roopa Divakar Moudgil
Case Number: Diary No. 34613/2026 (SLP)
Bench: Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva
Decision Date: June 12, 2026
 Sanjay Prasad, IAS-300x169.webp)
 Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act)-300x169.webp)
