New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued summons to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in a defamation suit filed by an NGO which claimed that its documentary tarnished the reputation of India, its judiciary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides BBC (UK), Justice Sachin Dutta also issued notice to BBC (India) seeking response on a petition filed by Gujarat-based NGO Justice for Trial.
The petition states that BBC (India) is the local operations office and BBC (UK) has released the documentary – “India: The Modi Question” – consisting of two episodes.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the NGO, said the defamation suit against BBC is in respect of the documentary which has “maligned” India and the entire system including the judiciary.
He argued that allegations against the Prime Minister have also been leveled in the documentary.
It was argued on behalf of the plaintiff that the documentary makes defamatory allegations and tarnishes the country’s reputation.
The high court said, “issue notice to the respondents by all acceptable means” and listed it for further hearing on September 15.