Delhi High Court Refuses Ex-Parte Injunction To YSRCP Leader In Defamation Case Against Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Case Reporting

The Delhi High Court recently refused interim relief to YSRCP leader Y. V. Subba Reddy, in his defamation suit filed against media reporting of Tirupati laddu adulteration case.

Justice Amit Bansal was not inclined to grant an ex-parte ad interim injunction in favour of Reddy and against the defendants qua the impugned publications or articles.

The Court said that prima facie, it would only be reasonable to give an opportunity to the defendants to present their defence in respect of their articles.

“However, it is made clear that any publications/posts/articles made after today would be after being put to the notice by this Court and would have its own consequences,” the Court said.

The Tirupati laddu adulteration case involves allegations that impure ghee, potentially with animal fats or fish oil, was used for the temple's famous prasadam, prompting Supreme Court intervention to form an independent SIT for a fair probe.

The suit has been filed by Reddy and his wife, arguing that defamatory statements were made by the defendants alleging wrongdoings by them in procurement of ghee for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Tirumala.

For context, Reddy was the Chairman of the Board of the Committee of Management of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD) and held the said position from June, 2019, to August, 2023.

The Court said that it is well-settled that ex-parte ad interim injunctions could only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

“Therefore, at this stage, the Court is not inclined to grant an ex-parte ad interim injunction against the defendants qua the impugned publications/posts/articles,” the Court said.

Justice Bansal issued summons in the suit and application on Reddy's plea seeking interim injunction.

The matter will now be heard on January 29.

Counsel for Plaintiffs: Mr. Dayan Krishnan, Senior Advocate with Mr. Amit Agrawal, Mr. Sahil Raveen, Mr. Rahul Kukreja, Mr. Jatin Shrivastava, Ms. Radhika Yadav and Ms. Akanksha Chauhan, Advocates

Counsel for Defendants: Mr. Shiv Vinayak Gupta, Ms. Bina Gupta and Ms. Anushka Rawal, Advocates for D-5 and D-6 Ms. Mamta Rani, Ms. Shruttima Ehersa, Mr. Rohan Ahujha, Ms. Aiswarya Debardarshini and Ms. Jahanvi Agarwal, Advocates for D-9

Title: YERRAM VENKATA SUBBA REDDY & ANR v. USHODAYA ENTERPRISES PRIVATE LIMITED & ORS

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