The Delhi High Court ordered Janam TV and Janmabhumi to remove stories alleging a link between George Soros and Dhanya Rajendran. The Court found these allegations to be defamatory and libelous, stating they were made recklessly without consideration for the truth.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court recently mandated the removal of articles and YouTube videos claiming that journalist Dhanya Rajendran and several digital news publications are “agents” of billionaire George Soros.
In an order issued on July 15, Justice Vikas Mahajan stated that the allegations “defamatory and libelous” and made recklessly without regard for the truth, thereby harming the reputation of Rajendran and DigiPub, an association of digital news publications and journalists.
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The Court noted,
“I am of the prima facie view that the allegations in various posts/videos are not based on any credible and reliable sources for making out a case that the said allegations are true and based on facts. Further, such allegations do not seem to be premised on a public record document such as any criminal case registered or pending against the plaintiff no.1 (Rajendran).”
Consequently, the Court directed Kerala-based news channels The Karma News and Janam TV, along with the Malayalam newspaper Janmabhumi, to remove the defamatory articles and YouTube videos within ten days. These posts and videos alleged that Rajendran and other news publications received funds from George Soros and his organization.
DigiPub, an association representing over 100 digital media organizations and independent journalists, includes notable members such as journalists Barkha Dutt, Ravish Kumar, and news outlets like Alt News, The Wire, The Quint, Scroll, The News Minute, and Newslaundry.
The videos and articles in question claimed that Rajendran and DigiPub are “agents of Soros” and suggested that central investigative agencies discovered funds from the billionaire funnelled to Indian online media outlets through DigiPub.
These allegations insinuated that the plaintiffs, Rajendran and DigiPub, serving as “conduits of foreign money to cause disruption in India,” thereby implying they involved in illegal activities compromising the country’s integrity and security.
Rajendran and DigiPub denied these allegations and filed defamation lawsuits against the defendant platforms.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing Rajendran and DigiPub, argued that the defendant publications were intentionally spreading false news to damage the plaintiffs’ reputation and goodwill.
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He presented DigiPub’s balance sheet to the Court, showing that their revenue came solely from Founder Membership Fees and Membership Fees, with their foreign exchange income being only Rs. 22,269 as of March 31, 2022.
Justice Mahajan accepted the plaintiff’s arguments and issued the takedown order.
In addition to Rao, advocates Aashna Chawla, Shreya Singhal, Panveer Oberoi, Mhasilendo Keditsu, Bani Dikshit, Nipun Katyal, and Udhav Khanna also represented Rajendran and DigiPub.
Advocate Aditya Gupta appeared on behalf of Google.
Read Order: [Dhanya Rajendran & Anr v. Galaxy Zoom India Ovt Ltd and & Ors].