You May Be Critical, But Criticism Can't Be At That Level: Delhi High Court Refers Anjana Om Kashyap & Khan Sir To Mediation

The Delhi High Court today deferred granting an immediate interim injunction in the defamation suit filed by journalist Anjana Om Kashyap and TV Today Network against popular online educator Faisal Khan (Khan Sir) and others, opting instead to refer both parties to a senior mediator to explore an amicable settlement.

While Khan Sir's counsel agreed to immediately take down all public disclosures and school details regarding Kashyap’s children—which the plaintiff's counsel, revealed had triggered active life threats—the Court directed both sides to sit together and attempt to expunge the offending remarks.

The High Court has issued notice on an application filed by the defendants seeking rejection of the plaint and listed the matter on July 9, 2026, to await the outcome of the mediation proceedings scheduled to commence this afternoon.

The Bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said, "It appears that parties can and may resolve disputes amicably. The parties are willing to explore the terms of settlement in case a senior mediator is appointed. They are ready to commence the mediation proceedings today itself."

Advocate Hrishikesh Barwah appeared for the Plaintiffs.

The High Court was hearing a suit by TV Today Network Ltd and its Managing Editor Anjana Om Kashyap against educator Khan Sir and others over allegedly defamatory and derogatory social media posts.

During the hearing, the plaintiffs pressed for an injunction to take down the allegedly defamatory content.

Barwah emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that the co-defendants had publicly disclosed the school attended by Kashyap's minor children, which has resulted in her receiving active life threats.

While the Court noted that the online backlash appeared to be a reaction to the anchor's original broadcast, the Court firmly admonished the educators' counsel regarding the escalation.

Justice Gedela remarked, "We don't know what you have said, but according to what they have written, maybe it's not the right thing to have said. You may be critical of somebody, but criticism cannot be at that level. That's our opinion. So, just have a word with your client. If you can delete those words or whatever. It seems to me that there is a reaction to what you may have broadcasted. I am not saying it is right or wrong; we don't know, and we will have to test it. What we are saying is, they may not have used parliamentary language probably. So, if those parts can be disjuncted or omitted..."

Barwah submitted, "There is one more aspect, which is my basic reason why I am approaching this court so quickly. Defendant No. 1 has disclosed the school in which my children are studying, and I am getting life threats because of this. These are documents which I am placing before you. They cannot come and say to this court that a technical objection is the reason why they will do it. They are educationists; they are not supposed to have discussed the school or the curriculum. In that curriculum, they have come and discussed politics. I am not on the point of whether they can discuss politics or not."

Justice Gedela responded, "Mr. Barwah, everybody is discussing politics. Every person who doesn't know anything about politics discusses politics. That is what politics is all about."

In response, counsel for Khan Sir agreed to immediately remove any disclosures regarding Kashyap's children.

Justice Gedela also remarked, "That's all we want. This is not an issue which should be coming to court. You should be resolving it. You may have reacted rightly or wrongly, but whatever reaction you choose, you should understand that you are academicians. You are teaching youngsters. When you are teaching youngsters, this should not become a part of you."

Defendant Counsel said, "You are correct. But she made fun of everybody community-wise, saying that "you all are cheaters and frauds, you are not teaching students." Therefore, we reacted. Even their businesses have been affected."

Justice Gedela said, "Obviously, we understand that. That's what we are saying. We are not saying you have to back down or she has to back down."

Recognizing a potential for a mutual resolution, the Court advised the parties to sit together and expunge the specific aggrieved words from the digital platforms.

Consequently, the High Court referred the dispute to a senior mediator today at 4:30 PM to explore formal terms of settlement.

The Court has issued notice on an application seeking the rejection of the plaint and has scheduled the next hearing for July 9, 2026, to await the outcome of the mediation proceedings.

Cause Title: Anjana Om Kashyap & Anr. v. Faisal Khan & Ors. [CS(OS)-538/2026]