By Muslim Mirror Staff

A Delhi court has summoned Republic TV, its CEO Arnab Goswami and its editor Ananya Verma on a plea filed by the Popular Front of India (PFI). The petition alleged that the TV channel telecasted “defamatory” and false content against the PFI in connection with the police brutality committed on Muslims protesting against the eviction drive in Assam’s Darang district on 23 September.

Republic TV on 27 September ran headlines such as “Darrang Firing: Two arrested with PFI links. Accused of  ‘Mobilising Crowds’ for Protest”, “Assam Violence: 2 PFI Men Arrested…. , PFI Men accused of Conspiracy…. The police has nabbed two PFI men Md Asmat Ali Ahmed and Md Chand Mamud…”.

PFI sent a legal notice to Republic TV on 30 September seeking an unconditional apology for their false and concocted news/ reporting/ telecast. But it did not receive any response from the channel.

PFI filed a defamation suit through its Public Relations Director Salim Sheikh before the Senior Civil Judge, Saket Court, Delhi on 23 October.

On 28 October, this petition was heard and the court issued summons to the Republic TV, its CEO Arnab Goswami and the Editor Ananya Vema. The court adjourned the matter for 3 November.

Advocates, Shakeel Abbas and Asif Ali Khan, appeared for the petitioner.