The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of certain news reports published by a daily linked to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, after a defamation plea was filed by a company founded by current Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The suit was initiated by Heritage Foods, a dairy enterprise established by Naidu prior to his tenure in public office. The company objected to articles published by Sakshi, which allegedly connected it to the ongoing controversy surrounding the supply of ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. Heritage Foods contended that the reports falsely suggested business links with an entity accused in the matter, thereby harming its commercial reputation.
Justice Mini Pushkarna indicated that the disputed content should be taken down within a stipulated timeframe. The Court further observed that in case of non-compliance, directions could be issued to digital platforms to restrict access to the material.
The controversy stems from allegations concerning the quality of ghee supplied for the preparation of prasadam at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Heritage Foods has maintained that it has no connection with the accused supplier and that the articles created an inaccurate impression of its involvement.
By granting interim relief, the High Court has restrained the continued circulation of the contested reports until the matter is adjudicated, highlighting the judiciary’s role in balancing press freedom with protection against alleged reputational harm.
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