Court Orders Removal of Defamatory Content Labeling Plaintiff's Residence as "Haunted" and "Cursed"
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has granted ad-interim relief to businessman Shashi Kiran Shetty, restraining several media entities from publishing or continuing to disseminate defamatory content about his residential bungalow, formerly known as Ashirwad. The court's decision, delivered by Justice Arif S Doctor, emphasizes the importance of an individual's right to live with dignity and privacy, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The plaintiff, Shashi Kiran Shetty, sought an injunction against media outlets, including Scoopwhoop Media Pvt. Ltd., NDTV Convergence Ltd., and others, for publishing articles and videos labeling his residence as "haunted," "cursed," and "unlucky." These publications were deemed to have impinged upon Shetty's fundamental rights, causing harm to his reputation and privacy.
Justice Doctor, while deliberating on the case, noted that the publications were sensationalist in nature and lacked factual basis, thereby constituting defamation. The court ordered the defendants to immediately remove the offending content from their platforms and desist from further dissemination pending the final disposal of the suit.
The judgment highlights the pervasive issue of sensationalism in media, particularly when it comes to reporting on public figures and their properties. The court underscored that such publications not only damage reputations but also violate the constitutional right to live with dignity and privacy.
The interim relief granted will remain in effect until the next hearing scheduled for August 21, 2026. The defendants have been given three weeks to file their responses to the court's order. This ruling sets a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights against unwarranted media sensationalism.
Bottom Line:
Defamation - Right to live with dignity and privacy - Interim relief granted restraining defendants from publishing defamatory material and directing removal of offending publications which impinge on plaintiff's fundamental rights.
Statutory Provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, 1950
Shashi Kiran Shetty v. Scoopwhoop Media Pvt. Ltd., (Bombay) : Law Finder Doc id # 2949967
