Delhi HC restrains Hockey Coach and HarperCollins from publishing defamatory content against Manpreet Singh in 'Will Power'

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Synopsis

The Court restrained former Women's Indian Hockey team coach Sjoerd Marjine from releasing or publishing any defamatory content in relation to allegations made by him against Men's Hockey team Captain Manpreet Singh contained in his upcoming book 'Will Power.

Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday restrained former Women's Indian Hockey team coach Sjoerd Marjine from releasing or publishing any defamatory content in relation to allegations made by him against Men's Hockey team Captain Manpreet Singh contained in his upcoming book 'Will Power: The Inside Story of the Incredible Turnaround in Indian Women's Hockey.'

The court was hearing a suit filed by Men’s Hockey team Captain Manpreet Singh seeking permanent and mandatory injunctions against the defendants for false and defamatory statements made against him.

Singh's counsel submitted the book's manuscript, which contained several defamatory statements about him and were highlighted on pages 53, 54, 55, and 57.

Taking note of the highlighted portions of the book's Manuscript, the Court opined that the statements contained in the manuscript of the Book appear to be defamatory and likely to harm Singh's reputation and that if it came into the public domain irreparable harm and injury would be caused to Singh.

The court ordered, “Till the next date of hearing, the defendant no.2 (Sjoerd Marjine) is restrained from issuing any statements, interviews, correspondence and releasing/publishing any defamatory content contained in or in relation to the Book/manuscript insofar as it is concerned or is directed towards the plaintiff.”

Accordingly, the court listed the matter for November 18, 2022.

Case Title: Manpreet Singh v. HarperCollins Publishers India Pvt. Ltd. & Anr.