Ahmedabad, India, Jan 13: A leading infrastructure entrepreneur has instituted a civil defamation suit of ₹100 crore before the Ahmedabad (Rural) Civil Court against Pankaj Prasun, Pranay Singh, BBC Gujarati, the concerned publisher, BBC UK and other associated parties, alleging a calculated and collusive campaign to malign his reputation.
The suit arises from a publication dated 27 May 2025, which the plaintiff has described as a gross distortion of facts, published without verification, without seeking his version, and in blatant disregard of police investigations and judicial proceedings that had found no wrongdoing on his part. According to the plaintiff, the publication was not an act of responsible journalism but an instrument allegedly weaponised by rival business interests, misusing the credibility of a reputed international media brand.
As per the pleadings, the article portrayed unsubstantiated allegations as established facts, selectively suppressed exonerating material, and intruded into the plaintiff’s private life, thereby causing serious damage to his professional standing, goodwill, and family dignity. The plaintiff has further contended that the continued digital circulation of the article constitutes a continuing and aggravated defamation, multiplying the harm with every view and share.
During the proceedings, the Civil Court observed that the issues raised require examination after hearing all parties and has directed issuance of notice to the defendants, ensuring that the matter proceeds in accordance with the principles of natural justice and fair trial. The Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case at this stage.
The plaintiff has stated that the ₹100 crore suit is intended not merely to seek damages but also to expose the alleged misuse of media platforms for settling private scores and to send a strong message that reputations built over decades through legitimate enterprise cannot be destroyed through selective, motivated, and collusive reporting.
Reaffirming his faith in the judiciary, the plaintiff has expressed confidence that judicial scrutiny will bring the full truth on record and restore accountability in media practices.
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