The Delhi High Court on Thursday referred a defamation dispute between TV Today Network Ltd, its Managing Editor Anjana Om Kashyap, and educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, along with three other teachers, to mediation after observing that the parties appeared willing to explore an amicable settlement.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed both sides to exercise restraint during the pendency of the dispute. The court also asked Khan Sir to remove from social media any disclosure relating to Kashyap’s children and urged the defendants to consider deleting references containing “unparliamentary” language from their posts.
Court Encourages Settlement
Recording the parties’ willingness to resolve the dispute, the court said that after examining the matter, it appeared they could potentially settle their differences amicably. The order noted that both sides were agreeable to the appointment of a senior mediator and were prepared to begin mediation proceedings immediately.
The matter has been listed for further hearing next week.
Court Asks Both Sides To Show Restraint
During the hearing, counsel for the plaintiffs submitted that Khan Sir had disclosed on social media where Kashyap’s children study and that she had been receiving threats.
Responding to the submissions, the court asked the plaintiffs to refrain from further escalation while directing Khan Sir to remove references concerning the children. It also observed that such disputes should not ordinarily reach the courts, particularly when the parties involved are educators influencing young people.
Counsel appearing for the plaintiffs assured the court that their clients would exercise restraint, while counsel for Khan Sir stated that references to the children would be taken down.
Court Remarks On Political Discussions
At one stage of the proceedings, counsel for the plaintiffs argued that the defendant educators were discussing political issues in their educational content despite not being expected to do so.
The court responded that political discussion is widespread, remarking that even people with little knowledge of politics engage in such conversations.
Defamation Suit Seeks Damages And Injunction
The suit has been filed by TV Today Network Ltd and Anjana Om Kashyap against Khan Sir, Abhinay Maths founder Abhinay Sharma, ICS Coaching co-founder Babita Tyagi, and Naiya Paar Education’s Arvind Bhadauriya.
According to the plaintiffs, Kashyap had raised concerns during an Aaj Tak broadcast on May 29 regarding the credibility of YouTube teachers in the aftermath of the NEET paper leak controversy.
The suit alleges that between May 30 and June 4, the defendants exceeded the bounds of fair criticism by publishing social media posts containing personal attacks on Kashyap’s character, integrity and professional reputation.
The defendants have maintained that their posts were a response to Kashyap’s television broadcast.
The plaintiffs have sought Rs 2 crore in damages from the defendants and have also requested an injunction restraining them from making further disparaging comments.
