On 13 August 2024, the Delhi High Court directed Rajdeep Sardesai to remove a video he posted on X in which he accused BJP’s national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi of “abusing” an India Today video journalist in a TV debate during the Agniveer scheme row.
The controversy began when Shazia Ilmi participated in a debate on the India Today news channel last month concerning the Agniveer scheme. During the debate, Ilmi left halfway through, alleging that her microphone had been intentionally turned off to silence her.
Rajdeep Sardesai then shared a video and tweeted that Ilmi’s actions—allegedly cutting off the microphone and reportedly mistreating the video journalist by evicting him from her residence—were unacceptable. He emphasised that the video journalist was simply performing his duties.
Defamation Case Against Sardesai
Ilmi filed the defamation lawsuit last week, challenging the video posted by Sardesai, which alleged that Ilmi had mistreated an India Today journalist. Her legal representative argued that the cameraman recorded her without her consent. She claimed that her consent was revoked when she exited the show, but the cameraman continued to follow her, thus infringing on her privacy.
Ilmi further contended that Sardesai’s video was edited in a way that distorted her character. She argued that Sardesai’s implication that she threw the microphone and mistreated the cameraman damaged her reputation by depicting her as poorly behaved. Ilmi stated that she did not use abusive language and that the expletives attributed to her in Sardesai’s video had been muted.
The Court questioned Sardesai’s authority to use the footage. The bench asked his counsel whether India Today had permitted Sardesai to use the video.
The Court observed that the footage posted by Sardesai was made public after Ilmi had left the show and involved only her interactions with the cameraman. It stated, “You had no right to record or use the video,” addressing Sardesai directly. Additionally, the Court has mandated that the video be blocked on social media platforms.
Finally, the Court added the cameraman as a defendant and requested both parties to submit video transcripts. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 16 August 2024.
Response from Ilmi
Following the Court’s order, Shazia Ilmi expressed her appreciation, stating her relief at removing the “defamatory video.” In a post on X, she wrote, “The political smear campaign against me by a political propagandist will no longer inflict the mental and emotional distress I have suffered. Uparwala Sab Dekh Raha Hai.” Ilmi also thanked her supporters, saying, “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me during this difficult time. My family and I appreciate your support immensely.”
Context
The controversy stems from a TV debate on 26 July 2024, moderated by Sardesai on India Today. The discussion, which focused on Kargil Vijay Divas, also touched upon the politicisation of the armed forces. Major General (Retd) Yash Mor and Ilmi were panellists on the show.
During the debate, Major General Mor highlighted perceived issues with the Agniveer scheme, prompting Ilmi to respond. Sardesai interjected, stating that Mor was presenting ‘hard facts’. Ilmi retorted, “Don’t sermonise,” leading to a heated exchange before she exited the show.
Later that evening, Ilmi accused Sardesai on social media of lowering her microphone volume during the debate. The following morning, Sardesai alleged that Ilmi had ‘abused’ the India Today video journalist.
(With Inputs From Live Law)
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