The Delhi High Court on Monday issued summons to the
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on a defamation suit filed by an NGO
claiming that its documentary cast a slur on the reputation of India, its
judiciary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Besides the BBC (UK), Justice Sachin Datta also
issued notice to the BBC (India) seeking its response on the suit filed by
Gujarat-based NGO Justice for Trial.
The plea said BBC (India) is the local operation
office and BBC (UK) has released the documentary -- "India: The Modi
Question" -- which has two episodes.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the NGO,
said the suit for defamation against the BBC is in relation to the documentary
which has "defamed" India and the whole system including the
judiciary.
He contended that the documentary also makes
insinuation against the prime minister.
It was argued on behalf of the plaintiff that the
documentary makes defamatory imputation and cast slur on the reputation of the
country.
The high court said, "Issue notice to the
respondents through all permissible modes" and listed it for further
hearing on September 15.