BJP Leader Shazia Ilmi Files Defamation Suit against Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai

BJP leader Shazia Ilmi has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against journalist Rajdeep Sardesai over a video he posted on the social media platform X Corp (formerly Twitter).

The video allegedly shows Ilmi abusing a journalist from India Today news channel during a televised debate.

A single bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora instructed Ilmi’s counsel to serve a copy of the defamation suit to both Sardesai and India Today.

The judge scheduled a hearing for August 13 and directed Sardesai and India Today to submit the video in question as part of the record.

The controversy erupted after Ilmi participated in a debate on India Today last month regarding the Agniveer scheme. She left the debate midway, claiming her microphone was cut off to censor her. Subsequently, Ilmi posted a tweet on X tagging Sardesai and India Today, stating, “Don’t you ever bring down my Fader again. Remember I have been on both sides and know how to handle bullies like you. BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.”

She further added, “Why on earth would I stay on your show when you humiliate me and say CUT SHAZIA’s Mike off? Only because I asked you whether you think all the Defence Chiefs are lying. Don’t know about you but I have SELF RESPECT.”

Ilmi also accused the video journalist of being a “pervert,” alleging that he continued to film her despite her physical and emotional discomfort after the show concluded.

In response, Sardesai tweeted that cutting off the microphone and allegedly abusing the video journalist, as well as throwing him out of her house, was unacceptable. He also noted that the video journalist was merely performing his job.

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