Punjab Court Directs Congress MP Raja Warring To Remove Allegedly 'Defamatory' Video Against Journalist Posted On His Social Media Handle

A Punjab Court has directed the congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring to remove a "defamatory" video till further order posted on his social media against a journalist Yadwinder Singh who is editor-in-chief of Punjab's popular news channel 'PRO Punjab TV'

"I am of the considered opinion that the contents of video and the comments posted by viewers on said video are prima facie defamatory and further a continuing wrong has larger impact on the reputation of a person which he possesses in the society and in the eyes of his acquaintances," Additional Civil Judge (Sr.Division) Manpreet Singh-II said.

The judge further said that though Article 19 (1) (a) of Constitution gives a fundamental right to speech and expression yet it is circumscribed with certain reasonable restrictions and it does not grant absolute/inchoate right to damage the reputation of another. "Therefore, a balance has to be maintained between fundamental rights and the reasonable restrictions imposed thereupon," added the Court.

The Court opined that the purpose of filing the present injunction suit will be defeated if no ad interim injunction order is passed in favour of the journalist.

Consequently, it restrained MP Raja Warring "from issuing or publishing any defamatory, false, unverified/unauthenticated statements on his social media account in physical form or electronic form by use of Internet portal against the journalist and his TV Channel and further stated that the "video in question shall be suspended by defendant from his social media account till further orders."

These observations were made while hearing an application filed under Order 39 Rules 1 & 2 read with Section 151 CPC for granting Temporary Injunction and Ad-Interim Injunction in favour of Yadwinder Singh and his TV channel "PRO Punjab" by directing the MP Raja Warring for immediate removal of video titled “Bhajdia nu Vahan Eko Jiha Hunda Aa Mitra” uploaded on 15.05.2024 on his social media account.

The plea also sought to restrain Raja Warring, their agents, servants, and partners, from publishing circulating, sharing, airing, or making any defamatory remarks or remarks that are prejudicial to the interests of plaintiffs.

Counsels representing Journalist, Advocates Amritpal Singh Sandhu and Jain Bansal submitted that MP Raja Warring has deliberately raised derogatory remarks against plaintiff who is renowned journalist and reporter and has worked in prestigious media houses and news channels.

"The video with defamatory remarks has been deliberately made being vindictive for not rendering undue benefits and advantages to defendant to help improve his image during recent election campaign," added the counsels.

It was further pointed that negative comments like “boycott PRO...Raja Warring Jindabad” and other comment “Yadwinder is controlled by Bhagwant Mann Government and meant only for publicizing the government adds” were posted on the alleged video which negatively impacted the reputation of plaintiff and his channel.

While issuing notice, the Court granted interim relief and posted the matter to December 3.

Amritpal Singh Sandhu and Jatin Bansal, Advocates represented the plaintiffs.

Title: Yadwinder Singh & Anr. Vs. Amrinder Singh

Click here to read/download the order