Bombay High Court Issues Verdict Against Slanderous Campaign Targeting Malabar Group

Mumbai, India — The Bombay High Court has issued a strong verdict on May 9th, 2024, against defamatory and misleading campaigns targeting Malabar Group’s scholarship programme. The court granted interim relief to Malabar Gold Limited, directing the removal of defamatory content from the defendant’s social media accounts and prohibiting further defamatory statements.

Key Rulings:

1. Immediate Removal of Defamatory Content: The court directed the defendant to remove defamatory posts from their Twitter handle and restrained them from issuing further defamatory statements.
2. Social Media Platforms Ordered to Act: X (Twitter), Instagram, and META Platforms Inc. were instructed to take down any posts or comments related to the defamatory content and to prevent the uploading of similar content from specified URLs.
3. Criticism of Selective Posting: The court criticized the defendant for selectively using a photograph that highlighted scholarships given to girls from a particular community, ignoring the broader initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged girls through education. The court noted this selective posting was damaging the reputation and goodwill of Malabar Group and could potentially create societal divisions.
4. Recognition of Philanthropic Efforts: The court acknowledged Malabar Group’s extensive philanthropic work, particularly its scholarship program benefiting over 77,000 underprivileged girls across the country, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The court highlighted the significant contributions of Malabar Group to various social welfare activities, including women’s empowerment, with a total expenditure of Rs. 246 crore.
5. Damage to Reputation: The presiding judge emphasized that the defamatory actions had tarnished the reputation of Malabar Group, a global brand known for its philanthropic endeavors. The court underscored the ongoing charitable efforts of the Group, which significantly benefit the impoverished and marginalized.

Statements from Malabar Group:

MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, expressed that the court’s order is a strong message against those who misuse activities aimed at societal benefit for hate propaganda. He affirmed that Malabar Group would take stronger actions against those involved in such defamatory activities.

About Malabar Gold & Diamonds:

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate established in 1993 in Kerala. The company has a strong retail network of over 350 stores across 13 countries, along with offices, design centers, and factories in India, Australia, Canada, the U.K., the USA, the Middle East, and the Far East. With an annual turnover of $5.2 billion, it ranks 6th among the largest jewelry retailers globally.

Legal Representation:

Adv. Lawyers led by Karl Tamboli represented Malabar Group in the proceedings.

This judgment reinforces the judiciary’s stance against defamation and highlights the importance of protecting the reputation and goodwill of entities engaged in substantial social welfare activities.

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