Delhi High Court Directs News Channel To Ensure No Defamatory Content Is Displayed Against Bollywood Stars; Cites Princess Diana's Example

It was recently that Bollywood personalities including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Farhan Akhar, Kabir Khan and others united to file a defamation lawsuit against news channels namely Republic TV and Times Now. Reportedly, the actors filed a case against the channels for using defamatory words like 'dirt', 'filth', 'scum' against Bollywood and for projecting false information while reporting Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. Today, the Delhi High Court held its hearing in this case and asked the news channels to ensure that no defamatory content against Bollywood stars is displayed on the channel or on their social media.

As reported by NDTV, Justice Rajiv Shakdher stated that the news channels are supposed to show news and can't run parallel trials. He said, "Media can't run a parallel trial. You're a broadcaster... show news. There is less news and more opinion." Further, reportedly, the Justice also cited Princess Diana's example and how she died. Rajiv Shakdher reportedly said, "Bollywood celebrities are entitled to privacy. Look what happened in the case of Princess Diana... she died because she was being chased by the media. You can't just go on like this. The courts are the last ones to want to regulate."

The court reportedly also mentioned that the reportage by black and white Doordasrhan was much better than what news channels carry out today. "Even cuss words are being used during live debates. Nobody is stopping from reporting but language and the manner has to be right," said Justice Rajiv Shakdher.

The news channels have been given two weeks to file their responses. The next hearing in this case will reportedly take place on December 14. (Also Read: Karan Johar, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar- Know The Full List Of 34 Bollywood Producers Who Filed A Case Against News Channels)