Can't publish derogatory news: HC to J&K daily

The Delhi high court has asked a Jammu and Kashmir-based news daily not to publish "derogatory" news against a joint director of public broadcaster Doordarshan, posted in Srinagar.

The Delhi high court has asked a Jammu and Kashmir-based news daily not to publish "derogatory" news against a joint director of public broadcaster Doordarshan, posted in Srinagar.

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"I am of the view that the plaintiff (Bashir Malik) has been able to make out a strong prima-facie case for the grant of an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in his favour.

"Hence, it is directed that till the next date of hearing the defendants (newspaper Daily Kashmir Images and editors) shall not make any derogatory and defamatory news about the plaintiff without facts, cogent and clear documentary evidence," Justice Manmohan Singh said.

Malik, a 1982 batch Indian Information Service officer, serving as Joint Director at Doordarshan, Srinagar, had moved the court seeking permanent and interim injunction against the paper from publishing "false, vexatious and malicious" articles aimed at to harm his reputation.

Taking note of the plea, the court issued notices to the paper and its Editor-in-Chief, Editor and Associate Editor. It also sought a response from a former stringer of Doordarshan and fixed the matter for further hearing on July 17.

During the hearing, advocate Ashok Bhasin, appearing for Malik, said there was no allegation of corruption against his client and the newspaper carried defamatory news against him.

He also said the newspaper and its editors "joined hands with the sole aim to harass and blackmail Malik in order to get more work from Doordarshan".

Malik, who is working in a hostile environment, is suffering from various ailments and such news have aggravated his physical problems, the advocate said.