In a significant relief for India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma, the Delhi High Court has issued a directive to Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera to take down tweets accusing Sharma of using abusive language during a live television broadcast on June 4, the day of the Lok Sabha election results.
Court Observes Oversensationalisation by Congress Leaders
Rajat Sharma filed an application with the Delhi High Court, claiming that the tweets from Congress leaders had defamed him. According to the tweets, Sharma mistreated Ragini Nayak in front of live viewers. The leaders of Congress, the High Court noted, had sensationalised the affair and had not stuck to the facts. The court stressed that maintaining one’s integrity is equally important as exercising one’s fundamental right to free speech and expression.
Harm to Reputation and Potential Misuse
The court stated that Sharma’s reputation had been damaged by the spread of these tweets, and there was a continual risk that they would be used against him in the future. The tweets were ordered to be taken down from the public domain until the lawsuit is resolved by the court, which found that they painted Sharma in an inaccurate light.
Summons Issued and Next Hearing
The High Court has found, prima facie, that Sharma’s reputation is at risk due to the tweets by the Congress leaders. Summons have been issued to the leaders, and the next hearing is scheduled for July 11.
Allegations of Abuse on Live Television
The controversy began when Nayak accused Sharma of abusing her during a live debate on June 4, the day of the Lok Sabha election results. Sharma’s counsel, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, argued that the Congress leaders started tweeting about the incident on June 10 and 11, and that a manipulated clip of the show was being circulated. Singh asserted that the original footage did not contain any abusive language.
Removal of YouTube Video and Related URLs
The court has also ordered the takedown of a YouTube video on Congress’ official channel, in which Ragini Nayak held a press conference and reiterated her allegations. In addition, it has been mandated that a number of other incident-related URLs be taken down within seven days.
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