Defamation Case Against BBC Over PM Modi’s Documentary Named, “India: The Modi Question”

The Delhi High Court summoned the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) on Monday in a defamation complaint, alleging that its two-part documentary titled ‘India: The Modi Question’ slandered India, her judiciary, and the Prime Minister himself.

Written by Musharrat Shahin May 22, 2023

BBC

The Delhi High Court summoned the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) on Monday in a defamation complaint, alleging that its two-part documentary titled ‘India: The Modi Question’ slandered India, her judiciary, and the Prime Minister himself.

In addition to the BBC (UK), Justice Sachin Datta issued a notice to the BBC (India) in response to the complaint filed by Gujarat-based NGO Justice for Trial, according to PTI.

Documentary outcome

According to the petition, BBC (India) is the local operation office, and BBC (UK) has broadcast the documentary “India: The Modi Question” in two episodes.

Senior counsel Harish Salve, representing the NGO, stated that the defamation complaint against the BBC is related to the documentary, which “defamed” India and the entire system, including the judiciary.

He claimed that the documentary also makes disparaging remarks against the prime minister. On behalf of the plaintiff, it was asserted that the documentary contains defamatory imputations and slanders the country’s reputation.

In April, the Delhi High Court overturned a Delhi University (DU) order expelling National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) national secretary Lokesh Chugh for allegedly organising the documentary shows.

Next hearing scheduled

The high court stated, “Issue notice to the respondents through all permissible modes” and scheduled a hearing on September 15.

The court had previously summoned the BBC after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Binay Kumar Singh filed a suit seeking a permanent injunction against the organisations from broadcasting the BBC series “India – The Modi Question.”

Allegations imposed

According to Mr Kumar, a BJP State Executive Committee member in Jharkhand, the BBC series has defamed organisations such as the RSS, the VHP, and the BJP.

“It is contended that the said documentary makes defamatory imputation and caste slur on reputation of the Country and Judiciary and against the Prime Minister of India. Issue notice to the respondents through all permissible modes,” the single-judge ordered.

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