This Kind of Language Not Acceptable In Civilized Society: Delhi HC Directs Abhijit Mitra To take Down Defamatory post
The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, while hearing the defamation suit filed by Newslaundry Managing Editor Manisha Pande against Abhijit Iyer Mitra, remarked that this kind of language used by Abhijit is not acceptable in a civilized society under any circumstances.
The bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav remarked, “While going through the nature of the language which is used by the defendant, the court was of the prima facie opinion that the same is not permissible in any civilized society”.
Advocate Bani Dixit, appearing on behalf of the Newslaundry journalists, submitted that the petitioners were professional journalists and researchers. During the hearing, Advocate Dixit read out portions of a post authored by Abhijit, which was primarily in Hindi. It was alleged that the post responded to content published by Newslaundry and contained derogatory and defamatory remarks.
The court perused the material on record and took note of the language used in the impugned post. Justice Kaurav observed that such language could not be justified under any circumstances, stating, “You should immediately take down this kind of language. The choice of words is unacceptable in today's civilized society. When he takes down this language, only then will he be heard”. He directed that the content in question be taken down immediately. The court emphasized that unless Abhijit removed the defamatory remarks, it would not entertain his counsel's arguments.
Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for Abhijit, argued that the remarks were not directed at the individual women plaintiffs but were criticisms of the organization. He further claimed that Newslaundry was not a “holy” organization as it portrayed itself to be, referring to an old interview that allegedly involved a sensitive case concerning a minor. Nonetheless, the court maintained that regardless of the defendant's views on the organization, the language used in public discourse must remain within the bounds of decency.
In his defense, Abhijit Iyer Mitra argued that his reference to the term “brothel” was directed at the Newslaundry organization, which, according to him, received funding from questionable sources. The court, however, reprimanded him and stated that even if an organization received funding from an unreliable source, it did not justify the use of such derogatory language.
When Advocate Dehadrai attempted to justify certain abusive references, including one that equated the media organization with a brothel due to alleged shady funding sources, the court firmly rejected the argument. Justice Kaurav remarked, “Even going by any stretch of the imagination, but the language on a public platform is unacceptable”.
The court clarified that both civil and criminal remedies were available to the plaintiffs in such cases and reminded the counsel that abuse of freedom of expression would invite legal consequences. The judge warned that if the language was indeed acknowledged to be abusive, the only appropriate course was to remove the post.
Stating its displeasure with Abhijit's conduct, the court dictated that it was inclined to pass an interim order and even direct the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) suo moto. It further remarked, “You are not entitled to be heard until it is taken down. I am directing a suo moto registration of FIR against your client. You are trying to play smart with the court”.
Ultimately, after submissions by Advocate Dehadrai, Abhijit undertook to remove the posts in question within five hours. Taking note of this assurance, the court scheduled the next hearing for May 26, 2025.
For Peititoner: Advocate Bani Dixit
For Respondent: Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai
Case Title: Manisha Pande v Abhijit Iyer Mitra (CS(OS) - 332/2025)