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Synopsis

Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, tendered an apology before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday for his social media posts targeting his former employer.

However, Justice Rekha Palli, while acknowledging the apology, deemed Grover's conduct as 'appalling' and imposed a fine of Rs. 2 lakh for the violation of the court's previous order.

The court had issued an order in May 2023, instructing Grover and BharatPe to refrain from using 'unparliamentary' and 'defamatory' language against each other. BharatPe later filed an application in an ongoing suit, highlighting social media posts by Grover earlier in the month containing 'defamatory' remarks against the company.

It was brought to the court's attention that Grover, described as a habitual offender, had repeatedly violated the court's orders.

Advocate Giriraj Subramanium, representing Grover, informed the court that Grover was tendering an apology and providing an undertaking not to contravene the court's orders. He added that Grover had removed the contentious tweets.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, representing BharatPe, argued that by the time Grover deleted his tweets, they had already been picked up by the media, causing irreparable damage.

Justice Palli, after examining the applications and the apology, expressed her dismay at Grover's conduct. Despite the apology, the court bound Grover to his undertaking and imposed a fine of Rs. 2 lakh, directing the amount to be paid to the Delhi High Court Clerks Association as costs.

Towards the end of the hearing, Adv Subramanium suggested mediation, citing nearly 15 pending proceedings between BharatPe and Grover. However, Sr Adv Sibal rejected the proposal, stating, "We are not interested in that." 

Case Title: Resilient Innovations Private Limited v. Madhuri Jain Grover & Ors.