In a major development, the Delhi High Court has directed Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh to remove their social media posts and videos alleging journalist Rajat Sharma's misconduct. The Court found that these posts over-exaggerated the incident and there was a false depiction of facts. This ruling comes as a relief for Sharma, who had sued the Congress leaders for defamation and sought a whopping ₹100 crore in damages.
Rajat Sharma Defamation Case: Congress Leaders Ordered to Remove Social Media Posts
Background:
On February 12, 2023, journalist Rajat Sharma filed a defamation suit against Congress leaders Pawan Khera, Jairam Ramesh, and Ragini Nayak. Sharma claimed that the leaders had made false and malicious allegations of misconduct against him during a press conference on February 10.
The Congress leaders had accused Sharma of manipulating and editing a video of Rahul Gandhi to portray him in a negative light. Sharma denied the allegations, claiming that the video was genuine and had not been altered.
Delhi High Court Ruling:
On March 1, 2023, the Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Rajat Sharma. The Court found that the social media posts and videos shared by the Congress leaders had over-exaggerated the incident and contained false depictions of facts.
The Court directed the leaders to remove the posts and videos within 24 hours and to refrain from making any further defamatory statements against Sharma. The Court also awarded Sharma ₹20 lakhs in damages.
Significance:
The ruling is a significant victory for Rajat Sharma and a blow to the Congress party. It sends a clear message that making false and defamatory allegations against journalists will not be tolerated.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What were the allegations made against Rajat Sharma? Congress leaders accused Sharma of manipulating and editing a video of Rahul Gandhi to portray him in a negative light.
2. What did the Delhi High Court find? The Court found that the allegations were false and over-exaggerated.
3. Why are the Congress leaders being asked to remove their social media posts? The posts were found to contain defamatory statements that have damaged Sharma's reputation.
4. What will happen if the Congress leaders do not remove the posts within 24 hours? The Court may impose further penalties, including contempt of court proceedings.
5. Has there been any reaction from the Congress party? The Congress party has not yet issued an official statement on the ruling.
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