BBC's Documentary On PM Modi: Delhi Court Issues Summons To BBC, Wikimedia Foundation And Internet Archive In Defamation Case

A Delhi court has issued summons to BBC over a defamation suit filed by BJP leader Binay Kumar Singh in connection with the British broadcaster's documentary 'India: The Modi Question'.

Additional District Judge (ADJ) Ruchika Singla on Wednesday (3 May) also summoned Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia funder) and the Internet Archive, a US based digital library.

"Issue summons of the suit for settlement of issues to the defendant on filing of PF and e-mode returnable on next date of hearing. PF be filed today itself. The defendant is directed to file his written statement within 30 days from the date of service of the summons. Endorsement be made on the summons accordingly," the Court said in its order.

Kumar approached the court saying that he is a state executive committee member of Jharkhand BJP and an active volunteer of RSS and VHP.

The suit, filed through Advocate Mukesh Sharma, said that the BBC documentary has defamed organisations such as RSS, VHP, and BJP.

The allegations made against the RSS and VHP are motivated by a malicious intent to defame the organizations and its millions of members/ volunteers. Such unfounded allegations are not only baseless but also have the potential to damage the reputation and image of the RSS, VHP and its millions of members/ volunteers, who have committed themselves to upholding the cultural, social and national values of India," the suit said.

The suit further said that the documentary's release has caused fear and terror among member of various groups and can potentially trigger violence and jeopardise public order nationwide.

According to the suit, BBC disseminated unfounded rumours "strategically and purposefully" without verifying the authenticity of the claims. "Furthermore, the accusations made therein foster animosity between multiple faith communities, in particular Hindus and Muslims," it said.

The Court was informed that the documentary has been banned by the Indian government, but a Wikipedia page dedicated to the series provides links to watch it and that the content is still available on Internet Archive.

"This leads to a reasonable inference that all three defendants are acting in concert and mutually in order to tarnish the image of the country as well as of distinguished organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)," it added.

The plaintiff requested for an injunction against BBC, Wikimedia, and Internet Archive to restrain them from publishing the documentary or any other material against the RSS and VHP.

The case will be now heard on 11 May.