Delhi High Court Summons ANI In Defamation Suit For Carrying Interview Allegedly Making False Triple Talaq Accusation Against Muslim Man

The Delhi High Court today summoned Asia News International (ANI) in a defamation lawsuit filed by a Muslim man questioning an interview aired by the agency in which his wife allegedly made false claims that she was subjected to Triple Talaq (instant divorce) for not bearing a male child.

The woman alleged that her husband, petitioner herein, pronounced Triple Talaq after 23 years of marriage.

In January 2021, ANI published a story and a video interview featuring the woman, who claimed to have undergone multiple forced abortions and to have experienced physical abuse from her husband.

Petitioner contended that he belongs to the Shia sect of Islam, emphasizing that within the community, Triple Talaq holds no recognition as a legitimate form of divorce. Consequently, he refuted the accusations levelled against him as false and defamatory. He argued that the continued presence of the news report and video interview on ANI's platform since January 2021 was severely prejudicing his personal and professional reputation.

Petitioner has sought damages amounting to 2.1 Crore INR from ANI and his wife. Additionally, he has requested a permanent injunction to remove all online content qua him, propagated by ANI and his wife, deeming it erroneous.

Justice Prathiba M Singh issued notices on the interim application in which the Petitioner has called for an explanation from ANI and his wife regarding their dissemination of allegedly incorrect information.

Additionally, the Court has instructed petitioner's counsel to remove ANI's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Director from the list of parties involved.

Petitioner had previously filed a writ petition before the Delhi High Court seeking directives for ANI and several other media outlets to remove the allegedly defamatory content. However, the court directed him to pursue appropriate remedies through a civil suit. Subsequently, a suit was filed, citing grounds of libel and seeking permanent injunction against defamation.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 20th.

Advocate Jayant Bhatt along with Mekhala Bhatt, Sadiya Ali, Vipul Pathak Advocates appeared for the petitioner. The petition was filed by Advocate Gargie Boss.

Click Here To Read Order