Defamation suit: Delhi HC issues summons to Abhijit Iyer Mitra as Newslaundry, women journalists seek compensation
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued summons to analyst and commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra in a defamation suit filed by women journalists of Newslaundry after the plaintiffs clarified that though the statements have been taken down, they want to pursue the suit for compensation.
Mitra's counsel, meanwhile, implored Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav to dismiss the suit with costs.
The case against Mitra was filed by nine journalists of Newslaundry, as well as the organisation, accusing him of defaming them through a series of posts that used abusive language, and seeking damages of Rs 2 crore. Justice Kaurav had, on May 21, criticised the language used by Mitra in his posts and directed him to take down the alleged defamatory posts within five hours, while noting that such statements 'are not permissible in any civilised society'.
On Monday, Justice Kaurav initially proposed disposing of the suit since Mitra had taken down the alleged defamatory material on an undertaking and not pursuant to a court's direction.
He orally inquired from the plaintiffs' counsels, 'Once these posts are deleted, what remains?… In this case, defendant (Mitra) himself came forward, he admitted (to the mistake) and deleted it… Had he invited a court order (for taking down the posts), position (in adjudicating the suit) may have been a little different… In this case injunction application has not been adjudicated on merits… Why to keep this matter pending?'
Denying that the posts which were taken down were defamatory, senior advocate Percival Bilimoria, appearing for Mitra, told the court, 'I'm pressing for this application to be dismissed with cost and an investigation in to this channel.'
However, Justice Kaurav remarked that the remedy for requesting an investigation 'lies elsewhere' and not within the adjudication of a defamation suit. The court also remarked to Mitra's counsels: 'Since you realised where the lakshman rekha lies, your client will be well advised to maintain that…'
Meanwhile, the plaintiffs informed the court that they want to pursue the aspect of claiming compensation, as mentioned in their suit.
Addressing Mitra's counsel, Justice Kaurav orally instructed, 'They (plaintiffs) say there's loss of reputation, so you file your written statements.' The court then directed that the matter be placed before the joint registrar for completion of pleadings by both parties.
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