Journalist Rajat Sharma Files Defamation Suit Against Congress Leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh & Pawan Khera In Delhi High Court

Senior journalist Rajat Sharma on Friday filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera over their tweets alleging that he used abusive language on air during a show on the election result day.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna heard the matter and reserved order on Sharma's interim relief application seeking take down of the tweets.

The controversy arose after Congress national spokesperson Ragini Nayak accused Sharma of abusing her on national television on the counting day of 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Senior Advocate Maninder Singh appeared for Sharma and prayed that the tweets be taken down immediately as their presence on social media is causing loss to the journalist's reputation earned in the last four decades.

Singh submitted that the Congress leaders shared a video clip from the show on social media wherein they inserted the abuse. He said that there was no abuse in the actual footage from the show which was telecasted live on TV.

He said that the Congress leaders posted the tweets six days after the incident, starting from evening of June 10, accusing Sharma of abusing Nayak on live TV, followed by holding a press conference.

Praying immediate relief, Singh contended that adverse comments against him are continuing due to the posts and that Sharma is known for his civilized behaviour and has never shouted anyone on screen.

“The program is live telecast. They had no grievance till 10th night, for six days. Surely Defendants no. 4-6 (Congress leaders) are having friends, followers and family members who would have pointed out if they heard. They got into some design (against Sharma)…. They insert the abuse in their tweet,” he said.

Singh said that it is a classic case deserving that the tweets be removed immediately.

In a public response shared on X, India TV tagged Nayak and Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera and said that the allegations made by them on their social media posts are “absolutely false and lacked any basis and foundation whatsoever.”

The post also said that the allegations are malicious and defamatory and constitute fake news.

It further said that Sharma, who has been in journalism profession for more than four decades, has a very high degree of credibility and reputation and is known for his cultured and civilised behaviour, both on and off air.

“You have blatantly violated all limits of public decency by falsely accusing a personality of high repute. We are taking legal advice on this to take further action,” the post added.

Later, Sharma also posted a video on X stating that he never raised his voice on anyone and never disrespect anyone.

Title: Rajat Sharma v. X Corp & Ors.