The Delhi High Court directed Karma News, Janam TV Janmabhoomi, News India Malayalam, and Hindu Post to remove defamatory videos targeting Dhanya Rajendran, editor-in-chief of The News Minute on July 15.
This order was in response to a defamation suit filed by Dhanya Rajendran and Digipub News Foundation against a disinformation campaign accusing them and other independent news organizations of being "agents" of billionaire George Soros.
The smear campaign emerged following the "Cutting South 2023" conclave in March 2023. Although the event's name was intended to signify innovation and progressiveness, it was misconstrued as promoting division in southern India.
Several right-wing news channels and websites began portraying Dhanya and other journalists as representatives of George Soros, suggesting they were facilitating the diversion of foreign funds into India to disrupt the nation's social fabric.
Justice Vikas Mahajan, presiding over the case, expressed that the defamatory allegations in the videos were reckless and aimed at damaging the petitioners' reputations without any credible evidence.
The court emphasized that the accusations lacked a factual basis and were not supported by any public record or criminal case against Rajendran. Consequently, the court ordered the concerned media outlets to take down the defamatory content within ten days. Should they fail to comply, YouTube will be notified to remove the videos within 36 hours.
Such campaigns not only undermine the credibility of media professionals but also pose a threat to free and unbiased journalism. By addressing these defamatory actions, the court aims to protect the integrity and reputation of journalists who are often targeted for their independent reporting.
The next hearing for the case is scheduled for October 23, 2024.