BBC Documentary On PM Modi: Delhi Court Issues Summons To BBC, Wikimedia And Internet Archive In BJP Leader’s Defamation Suit

A Delhi Court on Wednesday issued summons to British Broadcasting Corporation, Wikimedia Foundation and Internet Archive in a defamation suit filed BJP leader Binay Kumar Singh seeking to restrain them from publishing the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any other material related to RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Additional District Judge Ruchika Singla of Rohini Courts issued summons in the suit which is moved through Advocate Mukesh Sharma and listed it for hearing on May 11.

“The defendant is directed to file his written statement within 30 days from the date of service of the summons. Endorsement be made on the summons accordingly,” the court ordered.

The suit states that the allegations made in the documentary against the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are motivated by malicious intent to defame the organizations and its members or volunteers.

Singh, who claims himself to be an active volunteer of RSS and VHP, has stated that the already banned two volume documentary series is still readily available in public domain on Wikimedia and Internet Archive.

“The Plaintiff has worked assiduously over decades to build his career and reputation, and if this matter is left unchecked, it will permanently demolish the Plaintiffs hard-earned reputation and career. Therefore, even though the Plaintiff is a champion of free speech, he is compelled to seek an immediate injunction to safeguard his reputation and livelihood,” the suit states.

Singh has also sought an order of unconditional apology by the defendants to him and as well as to RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad for the alleged “libellous and defamatory content” published in the two volume documentary series.