The Delhi High Court held that an acquitted or discharged person’s right to dignity and reputation under Article 21 can override press freedom under Article 19(1)(a). The Court upheld de-indexing of arrest-related news articles, noting that continued online availability causes lasting reputational harm.
![[Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi] Madras HC Directs Publishers of Junior Vikatan to Pay Rs.25 Lakh Compensation to DMK Leader T.R. Baalu](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rahul-gandhi-1.webp?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Madras: The Madras High Court directed the Tamil magazine Junior Vikatan to pay Rs 25 lakh as compensation to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TR Baalu. The Court found that the magazine had published defamatory and false news against him without verifying facts. The ruling was passed by Justice AA Nakkiran on February 4, 2025.
Justice Dipankar Datta, born on August 10, 1960, assumed office in the Supreme Court on December 12, 2022, after serving as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. With 81 authored judgments, notable cases include media influence in investigations and challenges against restrictive IT Rules. He retires on February 8, 2030.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld that fair reporting of court judgments is crucial for justice and press freedom, shielding journalists from contempt charges. This ruling highlights the press’s essential function in promoting transparency and accountability in state actions and judicial outcomes.
On Tuesday(9th April), The Rajasthan High Court issued an interim order to prevent coercive action against a judicial officer accused of instructing a rape survivor to undress in court. The court emphasized the importance of press freedom while warning against sensationalizing the case. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on May 27. The accused officer’s actions are being contested by the Rajasthan Judicial Services Officers Association.
The Delhi High Court has acknowledged The Caravan’s plea regarding alleged army atrocities in Poonch, Jammu, and Kashmir. The central government has been given four weeks to respond, with further deliberation scheduled for May 9. The magazine’s publication raised allegations of torture and murder by the Indian Army, leading to a legal dispute.