07 May,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Anil Ambani alleged that the reporting was motivated and part of a larger strategy affecting his reputation and business interests. FILE PIC
The Delhi High Court (HC) on Thursday issued notice to NDTV and its chief executive officer (CEO) and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal in a defamation suit filed by industrialist Anil Ambani over the channel's coverage of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases involving his group companies, according to news reports.
As per the petition filed through advocate Hasan Murtaza, Ambani has claimed that NDTV published around 72 pointed articles against him in recent months. Ambani's counsel told the court that the Adani Group, which holds the majority stake in NDTV, has shown interest in his companies.
He alleged that the reporting was motivated and part of a larger strategy affecting his reputation and business interests.
Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice on the suit and listed the matter for further hearing on July 18. The court sought a response from NDTV on Ambani's application seeking an interim injunction to restrain further publication of the allegedly defamatory reports. No interim relief was granted on Thursday.
Ambani has sought damages of over Rs 2 crore in the suit, with a statement that the amount, if awarded, would be donated to charity. The petition names NDTV, its parent entity, Rahul Kanwal, and others as defendants.
The reports in question relate to ongoing probes by central agencies against companies linked to the Reliance ADA Group. Ambani's side maintains that the coverage has been inaccurate and damaging.
This is the latest in a series of legal actions initiated by Anil Ambani against media organisations regarding coverage of his business and regulatory matters.
NDTV is yet to issue an official response to the fresh suit. The channel has previously defended its reporting as being in the public interest and based on facts.
The Adani Group acquired a controlling stake in NDTV a few years ago. Ambani's counsel referred to this ownership while arguing the case before the court.
The proceedings will now examine the specific articles in question. Under Indian law, media organisations can defend defamation claims on grounds of truth, fair comment, or reporting on matters of public interest.
Anil Ambani's Reliance Group has been facing multiple financial and regulatory challenges, including debt-related issues and enforcement actions by agencies.
The Delhi High Court is expected to hear detailed arguments from both sides in July. Until then, no final view has been taken on the merits of the allegations, which remain to be adjudicated.
