In a strict order that can lay a precedent in Gujarat, an Ahmedabad court has ordered seven individuals operating news channels and platforms on social media to remove defamatory content against Rajya Sabha MP and Reliance Industries Director of Corporate Affairs Parimal Nathwani, granting an ad-interim ex-parte injunction in a defamation suit filed by him.
The third Additional Senior Civil Judge of Ahmedabad (Rural), while passing the order, directed the respondents to take down all content referring to Nathwani by Sunday, observing that the allegations appeared prima facie false, malicious, and capable of causing serious and irreparable harm to his reputation.
In its detailed order, the court noted that ad-interim ex-parte injunctions in defamation cases are an extraordinary measure and can be granted only in limited circumstances. “Such relief is warranted only where allegations are prima facie false, motivated, and likely to cause irreparable injury to reputation,” the court observed, adding that Nathwani had successfully established a prima facie case and demonstrated that the balance of convenience lay decisively in his favour.
The court order states that prior to arriving at a final decision in the matter, Nathwani’s “social standing” as an elected Member of Parliament could be tarnished due to the content.
The court observed that Nathwani, a three-term elected Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), enjoys substantial public credibility and social standing. “Defamatory or adverse content disseminated against such a person on social media platforms is likely to tarnish his reputation, erode his goodwill, and significantly impair his public image,” the order stated. It further underlined that the damage caused by malicious digital publications is often irreversible, given the virality, speed, and wide reach of online platforms. “Reputation, once lost, cannot be restored,” the court added.
Noting the disproportionate harm that could result from continued circulation of the content, the court held that Nathwani would suffer greater hardship if the material remained online than the defendants would suffer from its temporary removal. The court therefore concluded that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent further damage.
The order also granted Nathwani liberty to approach the concerned social media intermediaries under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which seek to enhance accountability of digital platforms and mandate the removal of unlawful content through grievance redressal mechanisms.
Beyond the immediate relief granted, the case assumes wider significance in the context of the rapidly expanding digital news ecosystem. The court’s observations serve as a reminder that the freedom to publish carries corresponding responsibilities. Journalism — whether practised through traditional media or social media platforms — must be anchored in verification, fairness, and accountability. The absence of accreditation or formal recognition does not absolve individuals from the duty to act responsibly, particularly when publishing content that can harm reputations and public trust.
Nathwani has filed a Rs 100-crore defamation suit against seven individuals who, according to the plaint, “uploaded, circulated and broadcast multiple videos, posts, articles and commentaries containing defamatory and unsubstantiated allegations” against him across digital and social media platforms.
A key aspect of the court’s consideration was Nathwani’s submission that none of the defendants is an accredited journalist or affiliated with a recognised media organisation, nor registered with the Press Information Bureau or any statutory or self-regulatory media body. The court took note of this submission, highlighting concerns around individuals operating self-styled “news channels” on social media without adhering to established journalistic norms, verification standards, or ethical accountability.
Later the Rajya Sabha, Nathwani put up a message on Meta. His post said,
“ 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ₹100-𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗻’𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 48 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀…
I have filed a defamation suit of Rs.100 crore against Sanatan Satya Samachar, Sanjay Chetariya, The Gujarat Report, Mayur Jani, Himanshu Bhayani, Dilip Patel, and Bhavin @ Banni Gajera for circulating false and defamatory material about me.
On Friday, the Hon’ble Court issued notice and summons to all the individuals and entities involved. The Court has also ordered the immediate takedown of all defamatory posts made against me, granting me interim protection.
I remain committed to upholding my integrity and will not allow baseless allegations to mislead the public or tarnish my reputation.
My sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to support me in standing for the truth.
– Parimal Nathwani”
His post can also be read here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C3U85BwVP/
Also Read: MP Parimal Nathwani Honours Fav Gir Lion Memory With Song+Documentary https://www.vibesofindia.com/parimal-nathwani-gir-lion-jai-veeru/
