The Delhi High Court has issued a final warning to NGO Justice on Trial for repeatedly delaying its ₹10,000 crore defamation case against the BBC over a controversial documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding arguments on maintainability.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has expressed strong displeasure with Gujarat-based non-profit organisation Justice on Trial for repeatedly postponing hearings in its high-profile ₹10,000 crore defamation case filed against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The suit challenges the BBC’s two-part documentary “India: The Modi Question”, alleging that the film damages the reputation of India and its institutions, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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During the latest hearing, Justice Amit Bansal noted that although the lawsuit was filed in 2023, the petitioner has sought adjournments on multiple occasions rather than addressing the Court’s earlier queries regarding the maintainability of the case. The judge emphasized the need to move forward.
The Court stated that it was offering the petitioner a final chance to present arguments:
The bench remarked that repeated adjournments could not continue indefinitely and granted one last opportunity before hearings resume in April.
Counsel for Justice on Trial informed the Court that additional time was needed because the organization was in the process of appointing senior legal representation.
Currently, the Court is examining the NGO’s request to file the lawsuit as an indigent person. This application falls under Order XXXIII of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), which allows individuals or entities lacking financial resources to initiate legal proceedings without upfront court fees. Given the massive damages sought, ₹10,000 crore, the court fee would be substantial, making indigent status a critical factor for the NGO.
Notices regarding this application were first issued in May 2023.
The Controversial Documentary
The BBC documentary at the center of the dispute revisits the events surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots and questions historical political accountability. Following its release, the documentary generated intense political debate, with the Indian government describing it as biased and reflective of a colonial mindset.
The plaintiff argues that the film harms India’s international image and undermines trust in the nation’s judiciary and leadership.
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