The Delhi High Court has referred the defamation dispute between journalist Anjana Om Kashyap, TV Today Network and educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, along with several other defendants, to mediation after observing that the parties appeared willing to explore an amicable settlement.
A Single Bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the parties to appear before the mediator later the same day and listed the matter on July 9 to consider the outcome of the mediation proceedings.
After interacting with the parties during the hearing, the Court observed that the dispute appeared capable of being resolved through mediation. Recording the consensus of the parties, the Court noted that they were willing to explore the possibility of settlement if a senior mediator was appointed and agreed to commence mediation proceedings the same day.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao was appointed as the mediator.
While referring the matter to mediation, the Court directed Khan Sir and the other defendants to remove all social media posts disclosing details relating to Kashyap’s children. The Court also directed Kashyap to refrain from making further remarks targeting the educators during the pendency of the mediation process.
Observing that the defendants were academicians responsible for educating young students, the Court remarked that personal details relating to a journalist’s children should never have formed part of the public controversy. It further advised both sides to identify the specific words and expressions they found objectionable and attempt to resolve the dispute through dialogue instead of prolonged litigation.
The order was passed while hearing a civil defamation suit instituted by Kashyap and TV Today Network against Khan Sir, educators Abhinay Sharma, Babita Tyagi, Arvind Bhadauriya, Manish Yadav, several social media users, including certain X handles, and 4PM News Network.
The plaintiffs have sought a permanent injunction directing removal of the allegedly defamatory content published across various digital and social media platforms, besides claiming damages of Rs. 2 crore for the alleged injury caused to their professional reputation, goodwill and journalistic credibility.
According to the plaint, the controversy originated after Kashyap moderated a debate on Aaj Tak on May 29, 2026, concerning the NEET examination system, during which she criticised the growing influence of online “star teachers” and the commercialisation of education. She contended that her remarks constituted fair journalistic comment made during a public discussion on an issue of national importance.
The suit alleges that between May 30 and June 4, several defendants, who command substantial followings on social media platforms, launched a coordinated and sustained campaign targeting both Kashyap and the TV Today Network.
According to the plaintiffs, multiple videos, broadcasts and social media posts described Kashyap and Aaj Tak using expressions such as “bikau patrakar”, “chatukar”, “dalli”, “dalaali” and “fake news ki dukaan”. The plaintiffs contend that the remarks went far beyond permissible criticism and amounted to defamatory statements intended to lower their reputation and public standing.
The plaint further alleges that Khan Sir publicly disclosed the name of the school attended by Kashyap’s children, despite the information having no connection with the controversy. Kashyap contended that the disclosure exposed her family to harassment, unwanted public attention, security concerns and alleged life threats.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for Kashyap and TV Today Network sought an interim injunction, arguing that the impugned content was per se defamatory and continued to cause irreparable reputational harm. Counsel also submitted that the disclosure of the children’s details crossed all permissible limits of public criticism.
Appearing for Khan Sir, counsel informed the Court that the posts containing references to Kashyap’s children would be removed. However, it was submitted that the plaintiffs should also refrain from making further remarks against the educators.
The Court observed that while criticism of public figures is permissible, it must remain within the bounds of decency and civility. It noted that although the impugned statements may have been made in response to Kashyap’s comments during the television debate, the language employed by the defendants appeared inappropriate and capable of being resolved by removing the objectionable portions.
The matter has now been referred to mediation to enable the parties to explore an amicable settlement before further adjudication of the defamation proceedings.
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