Modi documentary row: Delhi HC summons BBC in connection to Gujarat-based NGO's defamation suit

The Delhi High Court on Monday sent summons to British Broadcasing Company on Monday, in connection with a defamation suit filed by a Gujarat-based NGO against the broadcaster over its two-part documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Godhra riots.

The NGO in its plea stated that BBC's documentary casts a slur on the reputation of India, its judiciary as well as PM Modi.

The bench of Justice Sachin Dutta issues the summons to defendants including BBC and the matter has been listed for further consideration on September 15.

Besides BBC (UK), Justice Dutta, according to a report in PTI, has issued notice to the BBC (India) seeking its response on the suit filed by the NGO.

What does the NGO's plea say?

NGO's plea stated that the BBC (India) is local operation office and BBC (UK) released the documentary--India: The Modi Question--which has two episodes.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the NGO, said that the suit for defamation against BBC pertains to the documentary that "defamed" India and the entire system including the judiciary.

Salve also said that the documentary makes insinuation against PM Modi. He argued for the plaintiff that the documentary makes defamatory imputation and casts a slur on India's reputation.