Journalist Anjana Om Kashyap and the TV Today Network have filed a defamation case in the Delhi High Court against popular educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan sir, and several others over their allegedly defamatory comments following her criticism of the growing influence of "star teachers".
The suit is listed for hearing on June 8 before the vacation bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna.
It seeks the removal of the defamatory content published against Kashyap and India Today and directions to stop the defendants from making further posts.
The suit also seeks damages of ₹2 crores.
Apart from Khan sir, teachers like Abhinay Sharma, Babita Tyagi and Arvind Bhadauriya have also been made defendants in the suit. Certain X handles and 4PM News Network have also been sued by Kashyap and TV Today.
According to the suit, the controversy began after Kashyap hosted a debate on Aaj Tak on May 29, 2026, during which she commented on the growing influence of online “star teachers” and the commercialisation of education. She contends that the remarks constituted fair journalistic commentary made during a public discussion on a matter of national importance.
It has been alleged that, in response, several defendants with large social media followings launched a sustained campaign targeting Kashyap and the network between May 30 and June 4.
The suit claims that videos, posts and broadcasts published across multiple digital platforms described Kashyap and Aaj Tak using terms such as “bikau patrakar,” “chatukar,” “dalli,” and accused them of engaging in “dalaali” and operating a “fake news ki dukaan.”
"The Defendants further subjected the Plaintiffs to insults, ridicule, contempt and public hostility through abusive and scandalous language wholly unrelated to any legitimate public debate," the suit states.
It adds that Khan sir publicly discussed and revealed information about the school attended by Kashyap’s child. Kashyap argues that the disclosure was irrelevant to the public controversy and exposed the family to harassment, unwanted attention and security concerns.
"The Plaintiff's child has been exposed to unwanted attention and security concerns solely because of the Defendants' reckless conduct. The campaign has therefore transcended criticism and has resulted in serious injury to the reputation, dignity, privacy, safety and well-being of the Plaintiffs and their family members," the suit states.
The suit has been filed through advocates Hrishikesh Baruah, Utkarsh Dwivedi and Pragya Agarwal.