The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a journalist’s defamation claim over a social media comment, saying the remark “could not be milder” and advising, “If you people are so touchy, then don’t go on the platform
(X/ Twitter).”
Justice Avneesh Jhingan was hearing a case filed by journalist Rohan Dua, founder of news platform The New Indian, who had flagged comments criticising his interview with Indian Olympian Manu Bhaker.
The Court was specifically hearing an application to remove X user Mirza Arif Baig from the list of defendants in the matter, Bar and Bench reported.
The controversy started after Dua, in a 2024 interview with Bhaker following her two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, asked questions about photos of Bhaker and fellow Olympian Neeraj Chopra.
A clip of the interview circulated online, with several social media users, including Roshan Rai, terming Dua’s questions “sexist” and criticising him for focusing on Bhaker’s appearance rather than her achievements.
Dua filed a suit seeking the takedown of such critical posts, arguing they damaged his professional reputation. In September 2024, the High Court granted interim relief, ordering the removal of some comments. Later, the Court vacated parts of the order, saying certain tweets were not defamatory.
On Monday, the Court noted that Baig’s comment had already been deleted. It added that if the tweet still existed, it should be removed within two days. Baig’s counsel told the Court that the user had a small following of less than 1,600 and had voluntarily deleted the post to avoid complications.
“In view of the above, the defendant shall be deleted,” the Court said, removing Baig from the defamation case. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 14.
