Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 17: The Delhi high court on Tuesday issued summons to Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and the channel in a defamation suit filed by the Indian National Congress (INC) over a broadcast that allegedly claimed the party had an international office in Turkey.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, however, declined to grant any interim relief at this stage and issued notice on the Congress party’s plea seeking a temporary injunction.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for the Congress argued that the content continued to harm the party’s reputation. “Even if it is admitted it is false, people are still talking about it,” advocate Muhammad Ali Khan submitted.
The court directed that the plaint be registered as a suit and ordered issuance of summons to the defendants through all modes. It also directed the defendants to file their written statements within 30 days and sought replies on the interim injunction application within four weeks.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 19.
The case pertains to a broadcast aired in May 2025, in which it was alleged that the Istanbul Congress Centre in Turkey was the office of the Congress party. Following the controversy, an FIR was registered against Goswami and BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya for allegedly spreading false information.
Subsequently, Republic TV issued a public apology, stating that an incorrect image had been inadvertently used due to a technical error by a video editor on the digital desk. The channel clarified that the image was not aired during Goswami’s debate show and was unrelated to the content discussed.
“The moment it was brought to our attention, it was promptly rectified. We sincerely and unconditionally regret the error,” the statement said.
Earlier, on May 22, 2025, the Karnataka high court had stayed further investigation in the FIR filed based on a complaint by Indian Youth Congress legal cell head Shrikant Swaroop B N.
The complaint alleged that the misinformation campaign was deliberately designed to mislead the public, defame a major political party, and incite unrest.
Counsel appearing for the Congress in the Delhi high court included advocates Muhammad Ali Khan, Omar Hoda, Eesha Bakshi, Kamran Khan, Ayesha Khan, Surya Kiran, Mohd Shahrukh, and Aviral Jain.