Rajat Sharma files defamation suit against Congress party leaders in Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved orders in a petition filed by journalist Rajat Sharma seeking to restrain Congress party leaders from alleging that Sharma had used foul language on live TV.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna reserved the order in Sharma's interim injunction petition.
Sharma sought damages of Rs 10 crore for defamation.
The suit was filed against Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera for Sharma using foul language on live TV and insulting Nayak.
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Sharma, argued that though the televised debate took place on June 4, Congress leaders started tweeting about it only on June 10.
"I do not belong to any political party. I am just performing my professional duties. These allegations are patently false and have been fabricated by you. This is a classic and spot-on case which needs to be dropped immediately. I will continue to be humiliated as long as the allegations are spread on social media," Singh alleged.
Several social media channels posted a video clip of a debate on India TV (a news channel owned by Sharma) on the day the Lok Sabha election results were announced, alleging that Sharma had insulted Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak.
On June 10, Nayak posted a video on X, in which she said Sharma could be heard insulting her. She then also filed a police complaint against Sharma.
Later, on June 11, Sharma alleged that the Congress Party's media cell was running a rumour campaign and had used foul language, claiming that it was a conspiracy.
He said India TV had warned the Congress public relations wing that if it continued to spread falsehoods it would amount to defamation.
"The Congress spokesperson was sent with the intent of provoking me," Sharma said on air on June 11.
He added that despite warnings, the Congress' media wing continued to make allegations against him and hence legal action was taken.
Sharma's lawyer subsequently issued a statement on India TV X's official account, warning Nayak and Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera not to file defamation allegations against Sharma.
"We have seen your social media posts accusing Mr Sharma of using objectionable language in your programme. The allegations made in your post are completely false and baseless. Yours is malicious, defamatory and clearly constitutes fake news and clearly violates all boundaries of public order and morals by falsely accusing a public figure. We are seeking legal advice in this regard for further action," said Ms Sharma's lawyer in a statement issued on India Television's X handle, Singh & Singh, appearing for Rajat Sharma.
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