BBC Documentary on PM Modi: Delhi court issues summons to BBC, Wikipedia, Internet Archive on defamation case by BJP leader

A Delhi Court on Wednesday issued summons to the BBC on a defamation suit filed by BJP leader Binay Kumar Singh in relation to its documentary titled 'India: The Modi Question'..Additional District Judge (ADJ) Ruchika Singla also issued summons to Wikimedia Foundation (which funds Wikipedia) and the US based digital library called Internet Archive. "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 moved the Court stating that he is the state executive committee member of the Jharkhand BJP and an active volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).The suit, filed through advocate Mukesh Sharma, said that the BBC documentary has defamed organisations like the RSS, VHP and the 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.It further stated that the release of the documentary has generated an atmosphere of terror and fear among members of various groups, and possesses the potential to trigger violence and jeopardize public order across the nation yet again."The Defendant No.1 (BBC), strategically and purposefully disseminated unfounded rumours without verifying the authenticity of the claims. Furthermore, the accusations made therein foster animosity between multiple faith communities, in particular Hindus and Muslims.".The Court was told that though the documentary has been banned by the India government, 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).".The plaintiff, therefore, prayed 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 . Judge Singla will now deal with the case on May 11. .[Read Order]