New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday advised popular educator Faisal Khan, widely known as Khan Sir, and TV Today Network Ltd., along with its Managing Editor Anjana Om Kashyap, to exercise restraint amid an ongoing defamation dispute. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized that both parties should avoid escalating the controversy through public statements and social media posts. The court specifically asked Khan Sir to remove a social media post containing information related to Anjana Om Kashyap’s children, while also directing the plaintiffs to refrain from making further statements that could intensify the conflict. Observing that such disputes should ideally be resolved outside the courtroom, the judge remarked that individuals who influence and educate young people bear a greater responsibility to maintain decorum and act with restraint.
The defamation suit was filed by TV Today Network and Anjana Om Kashyap against Khan Sir and several other educators, including Abhinay Maths founder Abhinay Sharma, ICS Coaching co-founder Babita Tyagi, and Naiya Paar Education’s Arvind Bhadauriya. According to the plaintiffs, the controversy began after Anjana Om Kashyap raised concerns about the credibility of some YouTube educators during an Aaj Tak broadcast following the NEET paper leak controversy on May 29. The suit alleges that between May 30 and June 4, the defendants published defamatory and abusive content on social media that crossed the boundaries of fair criticism and caused significant damage to Kashyap’s personal and professional reputation. The plaintiffs have sought damages amounting to Rs 2 crore and have requested the court to restrain the defendants from making any further disparaging remarks.
During the hearing, the Delhi High Court encouraged both sides to explore an amicable settlement through mediation. The court observed that, based on preliminary discussions, there appeared to be a possibility of resolving the dispute outside prolonged litigation and suggested the appointment of a senior mediator. When the plaintiffs’ counsel argued that educators should avoid discussing political issues in their teaching platforms, the court remarked that political discussions are widespread in society and not limited to any particular group. Both parties assured the court that they would exercise restraint and cooperate in reducing tensions, including removing or modifying objectionable content where necessary. The High Court is expected to take up the matter again next week as mediation efforts proceed.
