Aneel Mussarat a Pakistan-origin businessman referred to as “ISI stooge”, Ofcom did not participate in the proceedings
The London High Court has fined the broadcaster of Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV in the UK, £37,500(~35,00,000₹) in the defamation case of a British-Pakistani Businessman Aneel Mussarat. He was called “ISI stooge” on the show and displayed his photographs.
This show was aired in 2020, which showcased his pictures along with captions like “Should Bollywood declare any links to pro-Pakistan, pro-terror, anti-India individuals and groups?” and “Should Bollywood renounce any links with Pakistanis who take pro-terrorist line?”.
The UK Broadcaster Worldview Media Network Ltd, which has a license with Ofcom to broadcast Republic TV did not participate in the court proceedings.
The Justice of Queen’s Bench Division noted that the show had “no evidence whatsoever to support the assertions made about Mr. Aneel engaged in terrorist activities against India” and these allegations caused “severe damage” to the plaintiff’s reputation.
The court said, “ The show contained serious allegations against the plaintiff, who was shown with his name and photo”.
“The Defendant is neither present nor represented and I have received no representation on its behalf, I have been assisted by my submissions, both written and oral, of Mr. William McCormick QC who is on behalf of the plaintiff,” said the ruling.
The court said that any terrorism allegations are considered consequential and damaging and can cost up to six figures.
The ruling said that the claimant is entitled to be awarded more than permissible under 9(1)(c) and the determination to restrict his declaration is within the Defendant’s failure to interact and lack of prospects in recovering the damages awarded.
The Queen’s Bench further stated that there is no prospect of issuing an apology and awarded the legal charges of £37,500(~35,00,000₹) and damages cost of £10,000(~10,00,000₹).
Mussarat told one of the Pakistani channels that he was happy that he had been “vindicated” and thanked the British Judiciary system.
In 2020, the UK Communications regulator also imposed a £20,000(~9,00,000₹) fine on Republic TV for “hate speech”.
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