Bombay HC Asks Arnab Goswami To Reply To Anil Ambani’s Defamation Plea, Warns Against Disparaging Coverage

Mumbai, April 1: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday advised Republic TV and its Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami to “dial down” the rhetoric in its coverage of industrialist Anil Ambani.

Court observations

The court was hearing a defamation plea filed by Ambani.

Justice Milind Jadhav clarified that the court was not restraining the channel from reporting on the issue, but cautioned against the use of disparaging language. “Otherwise I will pass the order. Of course you are the fourth estate, but no adjectives which will be disparaging,” the judge observed.

He further noted that while the reporting itself was not being questioned, the tone and wording used in broadcasts were problematic. “Law agencies are doing their jobs. Let them do it. Hitting below the belt is not okay,” he said.

Defamation plea details

Ambani, in his plea, alleged that Republic TV’s reports on his financial transactions had caused irreparable damage to his reputation. He sought a temporary injunction against ARG Outlier Media Pvt Ltd, Goswami, and other unidentified parties, claiming the coverage amounted to a “smear campaign.”

Arguments in court

Advocate Mayur Khandeparkar, appearing for Ambani, presented material before the court that was allegedly defamatory. On the other hand, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Republic TV and Goswami, requested time to file a detailed reply, maintaining that the reporting was “fair”.

Responding to this, the judge remarked, “In the reply you can say that every word that I have used is fair. But till you file a reply, refrain from using those words.”

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Next hearing

The court reiterated that Republic TV was free to continue its reporting on Ambani, but must avoid objectionable language. The matter will be heard next on April 16.

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