Read Time: 06 minutes

Synopsis

The Fauxy in its reply to Sajid Khan's legal notice against a satirical article, filed through Falcon Legal LLP, has stated that 'The Fauxy' is famously known for generating fictitious content solely for entertainment purposes and is well within its rights to publish such article.

The reply has been sent in view of the legal notice sent by Indian Film Director Sajid Kamran Khan to the entertainment & satire website over their article stating that all the 12 female Big Boss 16 contestants nominated themselves for eviction after #MeToo accused Sajid Khan entered the reality show.

The Fauxy has denied that it has lost sight of its obligations, duties, and privileges as alleged and submitted that being an institution of media, the fourth pillar of democracy, it has well-observed its duties and privileges and it is in accordance thereof.

It has said that the intent behind the content generated by it is very clear, which is to generate fictitious meaning “imaginary, invented" news based on trending topics so as to humor the public for entertainment purposes.

"As held in a plethora of judgments passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the right to free speech and expression encompasses the right to publish and circulate one’s ideas and opinions, as enshrined in our constitution which is a fundamental right. Our clients submits that from time to time this fundamental right has been stoutly protected by the courts," the reply by the Fauxy added.

The website has relied on the judgment passed by the Supreme Court in the case of Indibly Creative (P) Ltd. Vs. State of West Bengal, wherein the Apex Court included the art of satire within the meaning of free speech.

Additionally, it has submitted that Sajid Khan has grossly misconstrued the contents of the said article as defamatory.

Background:

The Fauxy wrote a satirical piece taking a dig at Sajid Khan stating, "All the female contestants initially asked the Bigg Boss to not allow 'Me Too' accused Sajid Khan or shift them to another house, and later decided to quit the show when Bigg Boss didn't listen."

The notice sent against the Fauxy had stated that the publication is blatantly false, concocted, and defamatory against Sajid Kamran Khan. Khan through his notice asked the Fauxy to remove the article and delete it from digital archives as well.

The legal notice sent through MZM Legal LLP stated that "the Article has been published in the backdrop of nationwide aggravated discontent against our client's (Sajid Khan) participation in a popular television show which is on air currently, which is said to have arisen from the unsubstantiated allegations made against our client almost four years ago, which pertinently, have no basis and as such have no contemporaneous relevance".