The Delhi High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on political commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra for his alleged abusive and defamatory posts targeting nine women journalists associated with the media outlet Newslaundry, directing him to take down the offensive content within five hours.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, hearing the matter, sternly remarked, “Such a language and words are not permissible in a civilised society. First you remove the posts, then we will hear you.” The observation came as Mitra’s counsel attempted to defend the remarks made in the posts shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The case stems from a joint plea filed by nine women journalists, seeking an injunction against Mitra’s posts and damages of ₹2 crore for what they termed as “defamatory, false, malicious and unsubstantiated allegations.”
The petitioners alleged that Mitra used “derogatory terms and slurs” not only against them personally but also directed offensive language toward their organisation, Newslaundry.
In response, Mitra’s counsel acknowledged that the language used in the posts was inappropriate and agreed to take them down as directed by the court.
The matter is now listed for further hearing on May 26.
