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Delhi High Court Orders Janam TV and Janmabhumi to Remove Defamatory Stories Against Dhanya Rajendran

The Delhi High Court has ordered Kerala-based Janam TV and Malayalam newspaper Janmabhumi to take down articles and YouTube videos that falsely linked journalist Dhanya Rajendran to billionaire George Soros. These stories accused Rajendran and DigiPub, an association of digital news publications she heads, of being agents of Soros and funneling foreign funds to disrupt India.

Justice Vikas Mahajan ruled that these allegations were defamatory, libelous, and made without credible evidence. The court noted that the posts and videos were not based on any reliable sources or public records. The court emphasized that such baseless allegations could severely harm the reputation of Rajendran and her organization.

Background of the Case

Dhanya Rajendran, a prominent journalist and the head of DigiPub, an association comprising over 100 digital media organizations and independent journalists, including well-known figures like Barkha Dutt and Ravish Kumar, found herself at the center of a defamatory campaign. Various posts and videos circulated by Janam TV and Janmabhumi alleged that she and her organization were funded by George Soros and involved in activities detrimental to India’s security.

These accusations, lacking any substantial proof or credible sources, were designed to malign Rajendran’s reputation and the credibility of DigiPub. The defendants claimed that central investigative agencies had discovered Soros’s funding to Indian online media through DigiPub, portraying Rajendran and her associates as foreign agents.

Court’s Findings and Decision

Justice Vikas Mahajan, in his judgment, held that the allegations were made recklessly without regard to the truth. The court observed that the posts and videos did not cite any credible or reliable sources, nor were they based on any public records, such as criminal cases against Rajendran.

The court ruled that continuing to host these defamatory contents would cause significant harm to Rajendran’s reputation and that of DigiPub. The judge noted that the plaintiffs had provided substantial evidence to refute the claims, including DigiPub’s balance sheet, which showed minimal foreign exchange income, contradicting the allegations of foreign funding.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling is significant as it underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting individuals and organizations from defamatory and baseless allegations. The court’s decision reinforces the importance of credible journalism and the legal ramifications of spreading fake news. It serves as a reminder to media organizations about the ethical responsibility to verify information before publication.

The High Court’s order to take down the defamatory content within ten days reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of journalism and protecting individuals from unwarranted attacks on their reputation. This decision also sets a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability in media reporting.

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