‘The Wire’ Stands By Its Article Against Jay Amit Shah; Rules Out Apology

The Wire affirmed that it was standing by its article published against Jay Amit Shah, by ruling out an apology to him. “There is no question of apology”, submitted Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for ‘ The Wire ’ and reporter Rohini Singh, who was the author of the contentious article titled “The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah”.

“The Wire” has approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the criminal defamation case filed by Jay Amit Shah against it for publication of the article which alleged improprieties in the revenue generation of Jay Amit Shah’s company “Temple Enterprises”.  The SC has stayed the lower court proceedings.

On April 18, the Court had enquired whether there was any scope for settlement. But on Monday, the Senior Counsel for ‘The Wire’ categorically ruled out apologies in the matter.

Jay Amit Shah has filed a defamation suit as well against “ The Wire ”, claiming Rs.100 Crores as damages for loss of reputation.  The civil court initially passed an ex-parte restraint order against publication and further discussion of the matter. Later, on December 23, 2017, the ex-parte order was vacated after hearing “ The Wire ”,  permitting publication of the article, but after omitting references to PM Narendra Modi.  This order was put to challenge by Jay Amit Shah before the Gujarat High Court. The High Court restored the initial gag order.