BJP's Shazia Ilmi files defamation case against Rajdeep Sardesai in Delhi High Court

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi has filed a defamation suit before the Delhi High Court against journalist Rajdeep Sardesai over a video uploaded by him accusing Ilmi of "abusing" an India Today video journalist..Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed Sardesai and India Today to furnish the complete, unedited video by Monday and listed the case for hearing on Tuesday..After Sardesai's lawyer informed the Court that they were not served the petition copy, Justice Arora directed Ilmi's lawyer to serve a copy to both Sardesai and India Today. Advocate Natasha Garg, appearing for Ilmi, said that the video continues to be online and people are posting derogatory comments and trolling her. She requested that tweets by Sardesai may be made private till the Court hears the matter. The Court, however, refused to pass such an order and listed the matter for Tuesday..The dispute stems from a July 26 debate held by Sardesai on India Today on the politics over Kargil Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day). Also discussed were issues of Agniveer and politicisation of the defence forces.Sardesai and Ilmi clashed as the BJP spokesperson intervened while Major General (Retired) Yash Mor was pointing out the shortcomings in the Agniveer scheme. As Ilmi intervened, Sardesai said that the former General was putting forth “hard facts”.Ilmi responded, “Don’t sermonise”.A heated argument followed between the journalist and Ilmi for several minutes, after which Ilmi left the show..That same night, Ilmi posted a tweet on her X account accusing Sardesai of bringing down her fader (volume) on the show.“Remember I have been on both the sides and know how to handle bullies like you. BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise,” she posted.The next morning, Sardesai shared a video on his X account alleging that Ilmi had abused the India Today video journalist present at her home.“If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too. But for you to chuck the Mike and abuse our video journalist and throw him out of your house is just NOT done. He was only doing his job. No excuse for bad behaviour. The rest I leave to you. Have a good weekend,” he wrote.