The Delhi High Court on Thursday instructed TV Today Network Ltd and its managing editor Anjana Om Kashyap to avoid making statements against Faisal Khan, widely known as 'Khan Sir', and also directed the educator to remove a social media post that disclosed details about the journalist's child. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, presiding over the case, emphasized that both parties must exercise restraint.
Court Urges Restraint and Mediation
Justice Gedela noted that the case, which involves allegations of defamatory social media posts by Khan Sir and other educators against Kashyap and the news network, could be resolved amicably. He called for an amicable settlement and asked the defendants to consider removing any 'unparliamentary' language from their posts. The court also highlighted that this matter should not have reached court, stating, 'When you are teaching youngsters, it should not become a part of you, correct?'
Details of the Defamation Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by Kashyap and TV Today, names Khan Sir, Abhinay Sharma (founder of Abhinay Maths), Babita Tyagi (co-founder of ICS coaching), and Arvind Bhadauriya (of Naiya Paar Education) as defendants. The plaintiffs alleged that on May 29, Kashyap expressed concerns about the credibility of YouTube teachers during a broadcast on Aaj Tak following the NEET paper leak controversy. Between May 30 and June 4, the defendants allegedly launched personal attacks on Kashyap's character, integrity, and professional reputation, crossing the limit of fair criticism.
Court Proceedings and Assurances
During the hearing, the plaintiffs' counsel submitted that Khan Sir had disclosed where Kashyap's children study, leading to threats. The court directed Khan Sir to remove such disclosures, while the plaintiffs agreed to refrain from further statements. Both parties gave assurances: the plaintiffs' counsel promised restraint, and Khan Sir's counsel agreed to delete references to the children. The court also noted that the defendants were discussing politics in their curriculum, which they are not supposed to do as educators, but remarked, 'Everybody is discussing politics. A person who doesn't know anything about politics discusses politics. That is what politics is all about.'
Mediation and Next Steps
The court observed that the parties appeared willing to explore settlement terms if a senior mediator is appointed, and they agreed to commence mediation proceedings immediately. The plaintiffs are seeking Rs 2 crore in damages from Khan Sir and others, along with a restraint order against disparaging comments. The matter was previously heard by a vacation bench in June, which directed the defendants to file replies without granting interim relief. The next hearing is scheduled for the following week.
