The Adani Group has initiated criminal defamation proceedings against YouTuber Abhisar Sharma and blogger Raju Parulekar, accusing them of disseminating false and defamatory material intended to tarnish the conglomerate’s reputation.
A Gujarat court has issued notices to both individuals, instructing them to appear on September 20.
According to the complaints filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Gandhinagar (PS Adalaj), Sharma uploaded a YouTube video on August 18, 2025, alleging that thousands of bighas of land in Assam had been allotted to Adani and linking the company to purported political favours.
Parulekar, since January 2025, has tweeted and retweeted similar claims of land grabs, scams and undue benefits.
Adani Group’s Defence and Legal Basis
Adani contends that the allegations are baseless and misleading, pointing out that the Gauhati High Court order of August 12, 2025, cited in the posts, does not mention the Adani Group.
The conglomerate further clarifies that Mahabal Cement Pvt Ltd, the firm at the centre of the High Court proceedings, has no association with Adani in any form.
The cases invoke Sections 356(1), 356(2) and 356(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, provisions corresponding to Sections 499, 500 and 501 of the Indian Penal Code.
If admitted, the complaints may proceed to trial, exposing the accused to penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, fines, or both.
Evidence submitted includes Sharma’s video and its transcript, Parulekar’s social media posts, the Gauhati High Court order and supporting documents.
The notices mark the first stage in a potentially significant legal battle between one of India’s largest conglomerates and independent commentators on digital platforms.
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