Newslaundry Moved Delhi HC Initiated Defamation Case Against Karma News For Labelling Them As 'Khalistani Terrorist

Newslaundry and Confluence Media, digital news platforms, have initiated a defamation case in the Delhi High Court against Karma News, a Kerala-based news platform. The plaintiffs accuse Karma News of labeling them as 'Khalistani terrorists' and associating them with the Popular Front of India (PFI).

According to the plaintiffs, they collaborated with The News Minute and the Kerala Media Academy in Kochi to organize a media event called "Cutting South 2023". However, while the event was underway, Karma News launched a campaign spreading false information and published a series of stories against the event.

Karma News alleged that the plaintiffs aimed to divide India with the support of China, claimed that the event was part of a larger terrorist movement, accused that illegal money transactions is happening in Kochi, and referred to the event organizers as 'Khalistani terrorists'. These allegations were presented to the Court.

During the hearing, Karma News stated that their report was not the only one to carry this news, citing Janmbhumi, a newspaper associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Karma News assured the Court that they would refrain from publishing or broadcasting any reports containing such allegations until the next hearing.

The Court acknowledged the statement, issued notices to Karma News and YouTube, and scheduled further consideration of the matter for August.

In their lawsuit, Newslaundry and Confluence Media argued that the name "Cutting South 2023" does not indicate any intention to promote division. Instead, they claimed that the name was derived from the concept of 'Cutting Chai', which refers to tea with added flavors and carries connotations of nostalgia, familiarity, truth, and comfort. The plaintiffs also argued that the name draws inspiration from the well-known phrase "cutting edge".

The plaintiffs have requested the Delhi High Court to grant an injunction order against Karma News. In addition, they are seeking a written apology and compensation of ₹2 crore for damages.