Delhi Court Seeks Response Of Adani Enterprise To Newslaundry's Appeal Against Ex-Parte Gag Order

Newslaundry's plea is before District Judge Sunil Chaudhary, who asked the Enterprise to file its reply in the matter and listed the case for October 15.

Earlier, judge Chaudhary had recused from hearing the case, in light judge Aggarwal's order quashing the ex-parte gag order qua four journalists. Judge Chaudhary had directed that the appeals be placed before the Principal judge, for re-assignment to Judge Aggarwal's court.

Yesterday, Principal District and Sessions Judge refused to transfer the appeal, following which the matter was again listed before judge Chaudhary.

In this backdrop, Senior Advocate Jagdeep Sharma appearing for Adani Enterprises argued that judge Aggarwal had not said anything on merits and thus, that order is not binding. "The other court cant impose its views on your lordships," he submitted.

For context, judge Aggarwal had observed that the allegedly defamatory articles had been in public domain for long and hence, the civil judge ought to have heard the journalists before directing take down of their articles.

Newslaundry's counsel submitted that the digital news platform has been issued take down notices based on relief granted against john doe defendants in the suit. "We will fall into contempt if we don't comply," he apprehended.

The Court however asked if the take down notices were issued by YouTube on its own accord, in view of intermediary obligations under IT Rules or was the take down requested by Adani Enterprise.