The Tis Hazari Court, Delhi has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction restraining publication and circulation of allegedly defamatory content against Manoj Kesarichand Sandesara and his family, and directed intermediaries including Google to de-index and remove related links within 36 hours.

The suit was filed seeking removal of online content linking the plaintiff to the Sterling Biotech bank fraud case, contending that such publications were false, misleading, and continued to harm his reputation despite subsequent legal developments.

The Court noted that the Supreme Court had, in earlier proceedings, quashed criminal cases and brought litigation against the promoters to a close upon settlement of dues. Despite this, media reports continued to portray the plaintiff and his family as “fugitives”, “fraudsters”, and involved in money laundering, thereby causing ongoing reputational damage.

Relying on settled principles governing grant of interim injunctions, the Court held that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case, balance of convenience, and irreparable harm. It observed that continued digital availability of such content, even after exoneration, could cause lasting stigma and prejudice that monetary compensation may not adequately remedy.

The Court also emphasised that while freedom of speech and press is protected under Article 19(1)(a), it is not absolute and must be balanced against the right to dignity and reputation under Article 21. It cautioned media platforms against sensationalism and highlighted the need for responsible reporting, especially in matters involving pending or concluded legal proceedings.

Accordingly, the Court restrained the defendants from publishing or republishing any content concerning the plaintiff in relation to the alleged bank fraud and directed them to de-index, de-list, and de-reference all such URLs from their platforms and search results within 36 hours.

The matter will proceed further upon service of summons to the defendants.