The Delhi High Court has granted an ex parte ad-interim injunction in favour of Toprankers Edtech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and its affiliate entities, restraining Law Prep Tutorial and others from publishing or circulating defamatory and disparaging content against them, including content relating to the CLAT 2026 AIR 1 topper.
The suit arose from allegations that the defendants engaged in a coordinated defamatory campaign following the declaration of CLAT 2026 results, wherein a minor student associated with the plaintiffs secured All India Rank 1. The plaintiffs contended that despite limited interaction with the student through mock tests, the defendants attempted to falsely project her as their own student and, upon refusal, launched a malicious campaign across social media platforms.
It was alleged that the defendants published defamatory videos, blogs, and posts accusing the plaintiffs of fraud, unethical practices, and fabricating results, while also using morphed and AI-generated images depicting the plaintiffs in a false and damaging light. The Court noted that such content prima facie appeared to be disparaging and intended to harm the goodwill and reputation built by the plaintiffs over the years.
The Court further observed that the dispute reflected an “acrimonious professional rivalry” between competing coaching institutes, but emphasised that such rivalry cannot justify statements or campaigns that tarnish a competitor’s reputation. It also took note of the misuse of the minor student’s identity, observing that she had clearly dissociated herself from the defendants and should not have been dragged into the controversy.
Importantly, the Court clarified that a single academic achievement does not automatically elevate an individual to claim enforceable “personality rights”, cautioning against an over-expansive interpretation of such rights.
Finding a prima facie case of defamation, disparagement, and trademark infringement, the Court restrained the defendants from publishing or disseminating any defamatory or infringing content, including the impugned video and related social media posts. The defendants were also barred from using the name, image, or likeness of the student, including AI-generated or morphed content.
Additionally, intermediaries such as Google and Meta were directed to take down or disable access to the offending content within 72 hours. The defendants were further restrained from tampering with any data or records relating to the alleged campaign.
The matter is now listed on 24.08.2026.
Appearances:
For the Plaintiffs: Mr. J. Sai Deepak, Senior Advocate with Mr. Ankur Khandelwal, Mr. Chirag Sharma, Mr. Nikhil Saurabh and Mr. Sidhhi, Advocates.
