Sudarshan TV editor gets Delhi HC relief in case over linking madrasa to ‘anti-national’ activities
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The controversial editor of Sudarshan TV, Suresh Chavhanke, who is known for his divisive allegations against the Muslim community for which he has been censured, has received relief from the Delhi High Court, which stayed criminal proceedings against him for linking a madrasa to “anti-national” activities.
The case was brought by Mohammed Tufail Khan, who runs the Jamia Arabia Nizami Welfare Educational Society, a non-governmental organisation and madrasa providing shelter, food ,and clothing to around 70 orphaned children.
The case is based on a petition by Mohammed Tufail Khan, who runs the Jamia Arabia Nizami Welfare Educational Society, a non-governmental organisation and madrasa providing shelter, food and clothing to around 70 orphaned children, and his complaint also named Islamic scholar Mufti Wajahat Qasmi, Sudarshan TV and its director Maya Chavhanke, apart from Chavhanke.
He alleged that Qasmi had falsely accused his organisation of involvement in “anti-national” activities, receiving illicit funds and “brainwashing” children during broadcasts in August and September 2022.
According to the complaint, residents and media personnel entered Khan’s home in September that year, called him a “Bangladeshi” and publicised his telephone number. Khan said this resulted in death threats against him.
He further alleged that Sudarshan TV aired defamatory programmes targeting his organisation and subsequently hosted another programme in which derogatory allegations were made.
During proceedings, Chavhanke’s counsel submitted that he was merely an anchor of a television programme and that there was no criminal intention on his part. The High Court, in an order dated 21 August, directed that proceedings before the trial court remain stayed until the next hearing.
The case had earlier intensified after a city court, on 19 October, observed on a preliminary assessment that allegations made by Sudarshan TV in its broadcasts and social-media posts appeared to be defamatory.
On 6 April, the court had issued bailable warrants against Chavhanke and Sudarshan TV after they failed to appear. The warrants were subsequently cancelled on 30 May after their appearance was recorded.