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The Delhi High Court has issues summons and notice in a suit filed by TV Today Network against Newslaundry seeking Rs. 2 crores damages for copyright infringement and defamation of its anchors, management and employees.

Justice Asha Menon was hearing the suit filed TV Today Network alleging civil defamation and copyright infringement against Newslaundry.

TV Today has alleged that Newslaundry uploaded various videos infringing its copyright. Allegedly, the online news portal made defamatory remarks about the Network's anchors and management. The suit has sought for permanent and mandatory injunction against Newslaundry, its CEO Abhinandan Sekhri and others.

The counsel for the plaintiff lead the Court through a compilation of documents depicting how the defendant company made defamatory remarks. The plaintiff further alleged that several copyright strikes were brought against the youtube channel of the defendant, for using copyrighted creative asset of the plaintiff. On the other hand Newslaundary's conteded that it has used TV Today's video for criticism/ review, which is permissible under Section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

Justice Asha Menon, lashed at Newslaundry and ordered them not to not indulge in "parallel proceedings". After watching a video of Newslaundry commenting on the present suit, the Court stated;

"The expression on face of the lady shows how contemptuous she is of the plaint", 

“They can have an opinion about themselves but they can't overstep boundaries. They cannot show plaints or written statements and have comments, the proceedings are open to the public to watch but plaints..then they don't need to come to us, they can come to you. Who are you to determine the merits of someone's plaint? You cannot have all this!" the Judge added.

The Counsel for Newslaundry pleaded: “My Lady it's a very interesting situation. The media holds everyone to account - the judiciary, the politicians, but who holds the media to account? Our case is that we do. Mr. India Today criticizes everyone day in and day out.”

The Court noted that no one can be allowed to harm another's reputation under garb of freedom of speech. “Commenting doesn't really add to information. Mockery or parody is supposed to be creative...You have to understand what kind of touch can be done," the Court added.

The Court has instructed Newsalaundry to take down the concerned videos and re-report them. “Take down and then report.. look at LiveLaw, Bar&Bench or whoever else. You know how they report,” the Court stated.

Cause Title: TV Today Network Pvt Ltd vs Newslaundry & Ors.