Today, On 16th April, Delhi High Court Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav has recused himself from hearing BJP leader Nalin Kohli’s defamation case against Dainik Bhaskar. Kohli claims the publication falsely linked him to a fake news network targeting political figures through a sting video and report.
New Delhi: Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav of the Delhi High Court recused himself on Wednesday from hearing the defamation suit filed by Senior Advocate and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Nalin Kohli against DB Corp Limited, the publisher of the Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar.
The judge ordered that the case be listed before a different bench.
The judge remarked,
“Mr. Kohli in person is the plaintiff? It has to go to some other bench. Mr [Aman] Lekhi, Mr Kohli’s matter … how can I hear it?”
The case is set to be listed again on Thursday.
In his defamation suit, Kohli alleges that Dainik Bhaskar, through a sting operation and a related report, inaccurately linked him to the creation and distribution of fake news aimed at political figures. He is seeking both an injunction and damages, as well as a takedown of the allegedly defamatory content.
The undercover journalists from the news organization reportedly contacted firms involved in producing and disseminating fake news targeting political leaders. During the sting operation, representatives from these companies can be seen acknowledging their paid services for spreading fake news and political propaganda.
Upon learning of Dainik Bhaskar’s report, Kohli denied the allegations on April 11 and announced his intention to pursue legal action against the news organization.
Senior Advocate Aman Lekhi represented Kohli in the proceedings.
Dainik Bhaskar is one of India’s largest Hindi-language daily newspapers, owned by the Dainik Bhaskar Group (DB Corp Ltd). Launched in 1958, it has a strong readership across several states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Known for its extensive regional coverage and strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Dainik Bhaskar has also entered into digital journalism through its online portal and mobile apps. While it maintains a reputation for aggressive reporting and local issues, the publication has occasionally drawn criticism and legal scrutiny for its editorial practices and coverage style.
In recent years, it has been involved in high-profile investigations and exposés, which have attracted both praise and legal challenges such as the current defamation plea by BJP leader Nalin Kohli.
Case Title: Mr Nalin Satyakam Kohli vs D B Corp Limited & Ors.