Bengaluru Court Issues Summons On Defamation Suit Filed By 'The News Minute' Against 'Karma News', 'The Hindu Post' Etc.

A Civil Court in Bengaluru on Thursday issued summons to operators of news portals Karma News, Indus Scrolls, Hindu Post and Malayala Manorama reporter Binnu Vijayan Vijaykumari, for allegedly publishing defamatory content against The News Minute and its co-founder and director Dhanya Rajendran.

Additional City Civil and Session Judge while hearing the suit filed by Spunklane Media, which operates The News Minute (TNM) and its Chief Editor Dhanya Rajendran, ordered, “Issue suit summons to defendants. Call on 07.11.2023.”

It is alleged that the defendants carried out a "malicious campaign" against the plaintiffs by publishing defamatory content against them regarding the global media festival 'Cutting South' organised by the TNM in association other platforms at Kochi in March this year. It is further alleged that Binnu Vijayan continued to circulate the alleged defamatory content on social media platforms.

The plaint claims that defendants made unverified, false statements that Cutting South is a ‘separatist movement’ sponsored by 'anti-India groups' in the US and Canada and that organisers of the event, including TNM, received funds from terrorist organisations.

“The Defendants have equated a Media Festival organised by the Plaintiffs (among other organisers) to a secessionist movement alleging that the Plaintiffs (being organisers of the Media Festival) have acted towards promoting secessionism in India, and the same is highly defamatory to the reputation of the Plaintiff," the plea states.

It is further alleged that the defendant made false allegations against Dhanya Rajendran, who is a recipient of the Chameli Devi Award for her positive impact on democracy. According to the plaintiffs, even though the police closed the complaint against the event after taking Dhanya Rajendran's statements, false reports were published that Dhanya Rajendran was questioned by the NIA and IB.

The plaintiffs thus seek issuance of an unconditional public apology by the defendants and 'nominal damages' of Rs 1 lakh.

Appearance: Advocate Pradeep Nayak for Plaintiff’s

Case Title: Spunklane Media Private Limited & ANR AND Galaxy Zoom India Private Limited & others.

Case No: OS 6139/2023