Delhi Court restrains journalists, orders removal of defamatory content against Adani Enterprises in ongoing defamation case.

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Case Overview

Case Name: Adani Enterprises Ltd vs. Paranjoy Guha Thakurta & Ors

On September 6, 2025 Senior Civil Judge Anuj Kumar Singh of the Rohini Court passed an ex parte interim order restraining journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Ravi Nair, Abir Dasgupta, Ayaskant Das, Ayush Joshi and others from publishing or circulating defamatory content against Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and its chairman Gautam Adani . The case stems from AEL’s claim that coordinated reporting damaged its reputation and hindered critical projects .

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Key Aspects

The dispute highlights the clash between corporate reputation and press freedom as AEL alleged deliberate attempts to malign its global image .

• AEL accused journalists and activists of aligning with anti-India interests to harm its brand .
  
• Defamatory content was allegedly published on paranjoy.in, adaniwatch.org and adanifiles.com.au.
  
• AEL argued reputational harm cost stakeholders billions and delayed investment timelines .
  
• References were made to the Hindenburg report suggesting up to 90% stock decline .
  

Legal Insights

The Court examined the case under the following legal provisions :

• Section 499, Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Defines the offence of defamation .
  
• Section 500, Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Provides punishment for defamation (simple imprisonment up to two years, fine, or both) .
  
• Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – Grants power to issue temporary injunctions in cases of urgency or irreparable harm .
  
• Article 19(1)(a), Constitution of India – Guarantees freedom of speech and expression .
  
• Article 19(2), Constitution of India – Permits reasonable restrictions on free speech, including in the interest of reputation .

Court’s Verdict

The Delhi court held that AEL made out a prima facie case and restrained defendants from publishing, circulating or storing unverified, unsubstantiated and defamatory material against Adani Enterprises . However, the Court clarified that fair and verified reporting cannot be curbed .

Source – District Court of North West Delhi

Read also –

• Constitution of India

• Indian Penal Code, 1860

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