BJP Leader Shazia Ilmi Files Defamation Suit Against Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai Before Delhi High Court

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi has filed a defamation suit before the Delhi High Court against journalist Rajdeep Sardesai over a video uploaded by him on social media platform X Corp, formerly Twitter, alleging that she abused a video journalist of India Today news channel during a televised debate.

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora heard the matter today and asked Ilmi's counsel to serve the copy of the defamation suit upon Sardesai and India Today.

While listing the matter for hearing on August 13, the court directed Sardesai and India Today to file the video in question on record.

The controversy arose after Ilmi took part in a debate on India Today news channel last month on Agniveer scheme row. However, she left the debate midway claiming that her mic was cut-off with an intent to censor her.

Thereafter, Ilmi posted a tweet on X tagging Sardesai and India Today. She wrote “Don't you ever bring down my Fader again. Remember I have been on both the sides and know how to handle bullies like you. BTW it doesn't behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.”

She added: “Why on earth would I stay on your show when you humiliate me and say CUT SHAZIA's Mike off ? Only because I asked you whether you think all the Defence Chiefs are lying. Don't know about you but I have SELF RESPECT.”

Ilmi also called the video journalist “pervert” alleging that he continued to film her despite her physical and emotional discomfort after the show was over.

Replying to the post, Sardesai also made a tweet stating that to chuck the mike and allegedly abusing the video journalist by Ilmi and throwing him out of her house was just not done. He also said that the video journalist was only doing his job.

Title: SHAZIA ILMI v. RAJDEEP SARDESAI & ORS.