Kolkata: In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has dismissed a defamation case filed against a local news portal, reinforcing legal safeguards for journalistic freedom.
The case was heard in the bench of Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Das, who ordered the dismissal of proceedings initiated against “Mangalakot.com,” a web portal based in Purba Bardhaman district. The complaint had been filed under Section 505(B) of the Indian Penal Code in the Kalna Sub-Divisional Court against the portal’s editor, Molla Jasimuddin.
The FIR was lodged by an organization named “Purba Sthali Sanskritik Manch,” alleging that a report published in August 2018 had incited public unrest by spreading information about alleged financial irregularities.
Representing the news portal, advocate Dr. Siddhartha Goswami argued that the allegations of defamation were baseless. He pointed out that several news clippings submitted in the chargesheet were not authored or edited by his client. The High Court agreed, observing that allowing the case to proceed would amount to misuse of the legal process.
According to court sources, the controversy dates back to August 6, 2018, when a report on alleged financial misconduct went viral on social media. Subsequently, on August 10, a general diary was lodged at the Bardhaman Cyber Crime Cell against journalist Shyamal Roy (now deceased) and editor Molla Jasimuddin. Later, on August 30, a formal case was registered at Purbasthali Police Station under Section 505(B).
Questioning the legal basis of the case, Jasimuddin stated that determining the authenticity of published news falls under the jurisdiction of the Press Council of India. He further argued that any grievance regarding a news report should first be addressed to the concerned editor through written communication, followed by a legal notice if necessary.
Notably, the editor had issued legal notices to the investigating officer, the officer-in-charge of the police station, and the district Superintendent of Police shortly after the case was filed. However, no response was received from the authorities.
Legal experts and senior journalists have welcomed the High Court’s decision, emphasizing that bypassing established mechanisms—such as approaching the Press Council—can undermine press freedom. They cautioned that indiscriminate defamation cases without due process could make fearless journalism increasingly difficult.
The ruling is being seen as a reaffirmation of the importance of procedural fairness and institutional channels in addressing disputes related to media reporting.
