The Delhi High Court has taken serious note of alleged defamatory remarks made by commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra against nine women journalists from Newslaundry. While it has not restrained Mitra, it reminded him about the moral boundary—or “laxman rekha”—in the exercise of free speech.
New Delhi, May 26— The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to political commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra in a defamation case filed by nine women journalists. The journalists, associated with digital media platform Newslaundry, have alleged that Mitra used offensive and defamatory language against them on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, while hearing the matter, reminded Mitra to respect the limits of freedom of speech and adhere to a moral boundary.
“We are not restraining you (Mitra) (but) where laxman rekha lies, you must understand. So long as you continue to use your right to speech… when it becomes defamatory, the plaintiff will be at liberty to come back to court,” the judge said.
The judge directed Mitra to submit his written reply to the allegations made in the civil lawsuit and also asked X (the social media platform) to present its side.
The court said:
“Having considered the nature of the submissions by the plaintiff, the court deems it appropriate to direct issuance of summons to the defendants.”
The plaintiffs—nine female journalists—told the court that Mitra made “derogatory terms and slurs” and spread “defamatory, false, malicious and unsubstantiated allegations” through his posts on X.
Even though Mitra had already removed the controversial posts after a warning from the court last week, the women journalists wanted the court to give more directions to prevent any future misuse.
Advocates Bani Dikshit and Farman Ali, who are representing the women journalists, told the court that Mitra had shown no regret for his online remarks.
“No remorse”, they said about Mitra’s attitude.
However, Mitra’s senior advocate Percival Billimoria argued that the posts were not defamatory and were deleted out of respect for the court’s observations. He requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
“The court’s order on removal has been complied with,” said Billimoria.
He further asked the court to investigate what he described as the “most insidious” media platform, presumably referring to Newslaundry.
However, the court firmly responded:
“If you want investigation against the channel, the remedy lies elsewhere.”
The court reminded that its earlier order asking for removal of the posts was made “without prejudice to the rights of the parties” and it would remain in effect. It also added that the journalists could approach the court again if similar remarks were posted in the future.
“Come back”, the court told the plaintiffs, if objectionable content is repeated.
In their defamation lawsuit, the women journalists have demanded:
- A permanent injunction to prevent Mitra from making further defamatory posts,
- A written public apology, and
- Rs. 2 crore in compensation for the damage caused.
They accused Mitra of making aggressive and abusive online attacks against them.
Background
On May 21, the Delhi High Court had already pulled up Mitra for his abusive language and asked him to remove his posts within five hours.
The court had orally observed that a person who “dared to use such uncivilised language” should not be heard unless the posts were taken down.
The case will come up again for hearing in September, giving both parties time to file their detailed submissions and responses.
