Delhi High Court orders Manoj Manchu, media to take down tweets, articles about Vinay Maheshwari

The Delhi High Court recently ordered Telugu actor Manoj Manchu, 'X' and few media houses to take down tweets, posts, articles and videos containing statements against media professional Vinay Maheshwari [Mr Vinay Maheshwari Vs. Mr Manoj Manchu & Ors]..The Court granted ex-parte interim injunction in favour of Maheshwari who moved the Court alleging defamation by Manchu..Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma found Manchu’s tweets prima facie defamatory and directed him to take down the tweets within one week and restrained him from further posting or sharing defamatory statements on social media, messenger service or public forum regarding Maheshwari and his family. “These statements, made without any substantiation, are prima facie defamatory, as they allege unethical and illegal behavior, harming the plaintiff's professional reputation and personal standing. The allegations of malicious intent and interference in family matters portray the Plaintiff in a negative light, leading to a significant loss of goodwill and public trust,” the Court observed. The Court also directed Twitter to ensure the removal of Manchu’s tweets. Further, media platforms ABP Network, GreatAndhra, IndiaGlitz, Onmanorama and TeluguOne were directed to take down the allegedly defamatory articles from all platforms, websites and social media, and ensure that the same are not accessible through any archives or databases.With regard to the reports published by Hindustan Times, the Court noted an undertaking that it would contact Maheshwari and publish his version or clarification.“In cases involving digital platforms, the widespread and lasting impact of defamatory statements is a crucial factor to be considered by the Court while granting or refusing ad-interim injunctions,” the Court stated..Maheshwari is a well-known media professional who has held senior positions at Dainik Bhaskar Group, Sakshi Media Group and India TV.Manoj Manchu is a Telugu actor and son of actor Mohan Babu.Maheshwari moved the Court claiming that Manchu had posted certain tweets alleging financial improprieties and personal interference by Maheshwari in Manchu’s family affairs, thereby maligning his reputation.Further, these tweets were further amplified in the articles and videos published by media houses, digital publishers and individuals, Maheshwari stated.The Court proceeded to grant interim relief after noting that the tweets and articles prima facie created a defamatory narrative against Maheshwari.“The above acts by the Defendants collectively prima facie create a sustained and defamatory narrative against the Plaintiff. These allegations, allegedly unsupported by any evidence, have prima facie potential of causing irreparable harm to the plaintiff's professional and personal reputation,” the Court stated..The Court listed the matter for further hearing before Joint Registrar (Judicial) on February 17, 2025..Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak with advocates Rohit Jain, Avinash Kumar Sharma, Aslam Ahmad, Neha Khanduri and Komal Sharma appeared for Maheshwari.Advocates Aditya Gupta and Asavari Jain appeared for Google LLC. Advocate Amit Bajaj appeared for HT Media Ltd. [Read Order]