Delhi High Court Directs Newslaundry to Delete Disparaging Content on TV Today The Delhi High Court on 20 March 2026 issued an interim order compelling the digital news platform Newslaundry to remove statements that it deemed disparaging towards TV Today Network . The court held that the remarks – describing TV Today’s content as a “shit show” and “high on weed or opium” – could cause irreparable harm to the broadcaster’s reputation. Key Developments Division bench comprising Justice C Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla partially allowed TV Today’s appeal, directing removal of specific disparaging phrases. The order mandates deletion of the terms “shit reporters”, “shit show”, “weed or opium” from Newslaundry’s website and social‑media handles until the final disposal of the suit. Both parties had filed cross‑appeals against a single‑judge order that had dismissed TV Today’s plea for an interim injunction, though the judge had earlier noted a prima facie case in favour of TV Today. TV Today had originally sued Newslaundry, its CEO Abhinandan Sekhri , and others in 2022, seeking ₹2 crore in damages for alleged copyright infringement and defamation of its anchors, management and employees. A total of 75 videos posted by Newslaundry were identified as infringing by TV Today. Important Facts • The dispute originated in 2022 when TV Today filed a suit alleging that Newslaundry uploaded videos without permission, violating copyright, and made “unfair, untrue and disparaging” remarks. • The single‑judge had refused an interim injunction but acknowledged a prima facie case, prompting both parties to appeal. • In the latest order, the court emphasized that continued online availability of the disparaging statements would cause “serious and irreparable harm” to TV Today’s reputation. • Legal representation: Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah for TV Today; Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao and Advocate Bani Dixit for Newslaundry. UPSC Relevance The case touches upon several topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus: Media Law & Ethics (GS1) : Understanding defamation, copyright, and the limits of free speech for digital news platforms. Judicial Process (GS2) : Role of interim injunctions, prima facie assessment, and the functioning of High Courts in civil disputes. Regulation of Digital Media (GS4) : Balancing freedom of expression with protection of reputation in the age of online journalism. Way Forward • Newslaundry must comply with the court’s order and delete the identified phrases across all platforms. • The matter will proceed to a full trial where the court will examine the merits of the copyright and defamation claims. • The case may set a precedent for how Indian courts handle disparagement and defamation claims against digital news outlets, influencing future media‑law jurisprudence. Students should monitor the final judgment, as it will clarify the legal boundaries for criticism of media houses and the enforcement of intellectual‑property rights in the digital domain.