The Delhi High Court has referred the dispute between edtech firm Physics Wallah and coaching institute Scholars Den to mediation [PhysicsWallah Private Limited v Mr. Vivek Thakur Trading as Scholars Den].
Justice Tejas Karia passed the order after Physics Wallah sued Editors Den for defamation for calling it "sasta wallah (cheap one)"
Physics Wallah had earlier secured an injunction in the matter.
When the case came up for hearing on July 23, the Court was informed that Scholars Den does not intend to publish any more ads injuncted by the court and the two sides are open to exploring the possibility of a settlement.
"Therefore, the Parties are referred to Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (“DHCMCC”) to explore the possibility of settlement through mediation. The Parties are directed to appear before the DHCMCC on 31.07.2025," the Court ordered.
The case will be heard next on September 3.
Physics Wallah, often referred to as PW, began in 2016 as a YouTube channel created by Alakh Pandey, an educator from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
Physics Wallah moved the Court contending that it is reputed for offering affordable courses to students at a price ranging ₹50 to ₹1 lakh and Scholars Den was using an ad calling the plaintiff "sasta wallah" to promote themselves.
Scholars Den is indicating that since Physics Wallah is not expensive, it is not good, and some of the ads were shot outside Physics Wallah's physical coaching centres, the Court was told.
“He can’t disparage my product right outside my physical station. He takes this advertisement and circulates on social media with my name written on it,” it was argued.
Advocates Abhishek Kotnala and Kartikeya Tandon appeared for Physics Wallah.
Advocates Aditya Vikram, Ankur Vyas and Kumar Kartikay appeared for Scholars Den.
[Read Order]