The court firmly stated that it would not consider Abhijit Iyer-Mitra’s arguments unless the posts were taken down first. File
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) came down heavily on commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra for allegedly posting defamatory and abusive content on social media, targeting nine women journalists from the media website Newslaundry.

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The journalists allege that Mr. Iyer-Mitra shared sexually abusive posts on X, referring to them as ‘prostitutes’. The plea, filed by the nine journalists, sought an injunction against Mr. Iyer-Mitra and claimed ₹2 crore in damages for what they described as “defamatory, false, malicious, and unsubstantiated allegations” made by him on X.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav firmly stated that he would not consider Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s arguments unless the posts were taken down first. At one point, the court even warned that it might direct the police to register a criminal case against Mr. Iyer-Mitra.

‘Impermissible in civilised society’

“Such a language and words are not permissible in a civilised society. First you remove the posts then we will hear you,” Justice Kaurav told Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s counsel.

Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s counsel argued that he has substantive points to raise, though he conceded that the choice of words could have been avoided. He said that, without prejudice to his contentions, Mr. Iyer-Mitra would take down the alleged abusive posts within five hours.

The court took the assurance on record, while posting the case for further hearing on May 26.

During the hearing, Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s counsel argued that the tweets in question were not directed at any specific individual. However, Justice Kaurav promptly responded, stating, “They are attributable to the plaintiffs.”

‘Questionable sources of income’

Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s counsel argued that Newslaundry is not a news organisation and that his post only highlighted their “questionable sources of income.”

However, the court responded, “Whatever their questionable income may be, it is not under challenge before us. What we can examine is what is legally challenged.”

“Can someone who is taking financial assistance from questionable sources be called a brothel?” the court remarked. “You may have multiple grievances and even fair comments against the plaintiffs, but the choice of words is impermissible in a civilised society,” the court said.

The suit cites a series of posts made by Mr. Iyer-Mitra on X this year, and seeks a court order restraining him from publishing any further defamatory material.

Published – May 21, 2025 07:15 pm IST