The Delhi High Court on Thursday encouraged journalist Anjana Om Kashyap and educator Faisal Khan alias Khan Sir to explore an amicable resolution of a defamation dispute arising from remarks allegedly made against the journalist and Aaj Tak. The Court observed that while political criticism is a part of public discourse, the parties should attempt to resolve their differences through mediation.
The suit was filed by Kashyap alleging that Khan Sir and others had made defamatory statements describing her and Aaj Tak as “bikau patrakar”, “chatukar”, “dalal”, and a “fake news ki dukaan”. She also objected to the alleged disclosure of details relating to her child during the course of the controversy.
During the hearing, the Bench indicated that criticism of political views is permissible but observed that the language allegedly used against the journalist appeared inappropriate. It also noted that the dispute appeared to have arisen as a reaction to Anjana OmKashyap’s broadcast and questioned whether the parties could settle the matter instead of pursuing prolonged litigation.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela encouraged the defendants to consider removing objectionable expressions and requested counsel for both sides to confer and find a mutually acceptable solution.
The Bench issued notice on the defendants’ application under Order VII Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure seeking rejection of the plaint, granting four weeks to file a reply and two weeks thereafter for rejoinder.Recording that, after interacting with the parties, it appeared the dispute could be resolved amicably, the Court noted that both sides were willing to explore settlement through a senior mediator and agreed to commence mediation efforts on the same day.
The matter is listed for July 09, 2026.