On Wednesday 18th November, the Delhi High Court directed Sameet Thakkar to take down the tweets within 48 hours, allegedly posted against TV Today Network its Management & employees from his Twitter account.
Justice Mukta Gupta was hearing the suit filed by Plaintiff, T.V Today Network Limited against Sameer Thakkar. Sameet Thakkar allegedly posted tweets, using derogatory and defamatory language against the Plaintiff, its management and its employees.
The Plaintiff had given 29 sets of ULRs, which were not removed by defendant No. 1 till date.
“Defendant No. 1 is directed to take down the said ULRs from its Twitter account within 48 hours of the receipt of copy of such replication from the learned counsel for the plaintiff, failing which the plaintiff would write a letter to the learned counsel for the defendant No. 3 (Twitter) giving the specified 29 sets of ULRs as provided in Para 11 of the replication, which the defendant No. 3 (Twitter) will take down within 72 hours thereafter.” said Court order.
The Delhi High Court, in its 06th May Order, had observed,
“The tweets make wild allegations and also use derogatory and defamatory language against the Plaintiff, its management and its employees. The tweets are also very offensive and some contain abusive language. Such a campaign against the Plaintiff, its management and employees can be extremely damaging to their reputation and also cause personal injury to them and their family members. The tweets are in bad taste and use objectionable language including abuses.”
Further the court opined,
“This Court is of the opinion that a prima facie case is made out for grant of interim relief to protect the Plaintiff until the Defendant enters appearance in the matter. Balance of inconvenience is also in favour of the Plaintiff and irreparable injury could be caused to the reputation of the Plaintiff which is a well established media company as also its management and employees if protection is not granted.”
The Court had directed Defendant No.1 (Sameet Thakkar),”To restrain from publishing any defamatory or derogatory posts/tweets or making abusive remarks against the Plaintiff, its management, employees including news anchors and their family members either through his
Twitter handle or on any other social media platform or any other print/ electronic medium.”
On Monday, 16th November the Supreme Court refused to entertain the Article 32 petition for transfer and consolidation of investigation in the FIRs pertaining to his tweets against the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and other Cabinet Ministers on behalf of Sameet Thakkar.
Chief Justice of India SA Bobde directed Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani appearing on behalf of Thakkar to withdraw the plea and approach the appropriate forum, that is, the Bombay High Court.
Further hearing on the matter is listed on Thursday 14th January 2021.
Case title – T.V Today Network Ltd. v. Sameet Thakkar & Ors [CS (OS) 123/2020]
