New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai to take down the video he uploaded on X (Twitter) accusing BJP leader and spokesperson Shazia Ilmi of "abusing" an India Today video journalist.
The court also ordered blocking of the video on the social media platforms in 24 hours.
Last week, Ilmi sued journalist Sardesai for defamation over a video uploaded by him alleging Ilmi of "abusing" a India Today video journalist.
Pronouncing the order after a brief hearing, a single judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said, “This court has heard arguments in part. Counsel for D1 (Sardesai) and D2 (India Today) seeks time to obtain instructions.
“In the interregnum, the counsel says India Today has not uploaded the video. He states that the video has only been uploaded by Sardesai.
“In the interregnum, in view of the request for adjournment made by the counsel, Sardesai is directed to take down the video uploaded on his social media post until the disposal of this application [Interim Relief Application].
“Reply to be filed by defendants within two days with advance service to the plaintiff. Both are directed to place on record the transcript of the video no 3.
“The aforesaid directions for take down of the video has been necessitated as the counsel for D2 [India Today] states that the custody of the video is with D2 and the counsel is unable to state if the use of the video by D1 [Sardesai] was authorised by D2 or not.
“This court is also of the opinion that since the video was recorded after the plaintiff [Ilmi] had removed herself from the show, the happening of the events was entered a matter between the plaintiff and D12 (Cameraperson) and also the issue of the privacy of the plaintiff is a matter which the court would like to hear D1, D2 and D12's submissions.”
The matter will be heard next on August 16.
The matter relates to a debate show on India Today Television where Ilmi’s audio was muted and the BJP leader left the show in the protest.
Immediately after the show on July 26, 2024, Ilmi in a post on X tagged Sardesai, India Today and Aaj Tak and said, “Don’t you ever bring down my Fader again. Remember I have been on both the sides and know how to handle bullies like you. BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise. And learn your facts before pitting one Ex Army Chief against all other Defence Chiefs simply to create mischief.”
Responding to Ilmi’s post, Sardesai released a video of Ilmi removing her mic and then asking the cameraperson to get out of her house.
Sardesai wrote, “Ma’am, @shaziailmi I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid cross talk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too. But for you to chuck the Mike and abuse our video journalist and throw him out of your house is just NOT done. He was only doing his job. No excuse for bad behaviour. The rest I leave to you. Have a good weekend 🙏 (the video below is from last night.. )(sic).”
Ilmi called the video evidence showing the cameraman’s behaviour after the show.
BJP IT cell head and national spokesperson Amit Malviya attacked Sardesai for sharing the ‘objectionable’ video publicly and said that the pervert must be called out for violating @shaziailmi’s privacy and bodily integrity.
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