Pratidin Group faces legal scrutiny over allegedly defaming Assam minister
Proceedings before the Civil Court at Kamrup (Metro) have placed certain reports, broadcasts and public statements circulated by Asomiya Pratidin, Pratidin Time and associated individuals, including Nitumoni Saikia, under legal scrutiny for allegedly publishing defamatory, misleading and reputation-harming content against Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.
The matter arose following a petition filed before the Court alleging that a series of reports, headlines, interviews and televised statements repeatedly carried unverified allegations and derogatory remarks intended to malign the public image and reputation of the Minister. The petition referred to multiple publications and broadcasts where defamatory expressions, insinuations and politically charged commentary were allegedly used against the petitioner. These included articles and headlines published in Asomiya Pratidin and Pratidin Time regarding farm subsidy allegations and matters related to cow purchase for the farm and interviews/comments made by Nitumoni Saikia.
After hearing the matter and examining the records placed before it, the Court observed that a prima facie case had been made out by the petitioner. The Court further noted that the allegations and language used in the reports appeared capable of damaging the public reputation and standing of the public representative in civil society. The Court also observed that repeated circulation of such baseless allegations without proper verification could lead to harm of reputation of the public representative.
Accordingly, the Hon’ble Court granted an ex parte ad-interim injunction restraining the defendants and their representatives from further printing, publishing, circulating or disseminating the disputed reports, interviews and related content during the pendency of the case.
The order also covers the further dissemination of related defamatory material through media and public platforms until the matter is adjudicated before the competent court.
The Court further observed that while criticism and political disagreement remain part of democratic discourse, publication of unverified allegations, abusive expressions and defamatory narratives cannot be justified under the garb of journalism or freedom of speech. The order emphasised that public communication, including content circulated through social and electronic media, must remain rooted in factual accuracy and responsible conduct.
Jayanta Mallabaruah, who presently serves as a Cabinet Minister in Assam and represents the reputed Nalbari assembly constituency, continues to enjoy significant public support across his constituency as well as the state. Supporters of the Minister have stated that attempts to damage his public image through unverified allegations not only target an elected public representative but also hurt the sentiments of people who have repeatedly placed their faith in his leadership and public service.
The developments surrounding the case have also triggered wider discussion regarding the growing influence of misleading social media narratives and politically motivated misinformation campaigns. Observers note that defamatory commentary, edited narratives and unverified allegations are increasingly shaping public perception before facts are judicially established or independently verified.
In this context, citizens, political workers, media organisations and social media users are being urged to exercise caution and responsibility while commenting on matters currently under legal consideration. Legal experts have also pointed out that the dissemination of defamatory content, unverified allegations and comments against the individual may invite legal consequences under applicable laws.
