Delhi High Court Directs Ashneer Grover to Remove Defamatory Tweets against BharatPe and SBI Chairman

The Delhi High Court has issued a stern warning to Ashneer Grover, former managing director of BharatPe, directing him to remove tweets deemed defamatory to BharatPe and the chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) within 48 hours. The court’s ruling highlights the importance of maintaining corporate reputation and refraining from making unsubstantiated allegations against individuals and entities.

In its order, the court emphasized that Grover’s tweets had the potential to tarnish BharatPe’s reputation and were “completely avoidable.” The court also noted that Grover’s tweet targeting the SBI chairman was perceived as an innuendo aimed at BharatPe’s chairperson, who is a former SBI chairman.

Grover’s tweet, posted on March 12, accused SBI chairmen of being “petty people” and hinted at underlying issues within the organization. The court deemed such statements unwarranted and cautioned against making baseless allegations that could damage the reputation of individuals and organizations.

Furthermore, Grover’s letter to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), urging an investigation into BharatPe’s shareholding, has added fuel to the controversy. Grover alleged that BharatPe had engaged in fraudulent practices by reappointing Bhavik Koladiya, previously convicted of wire fraud in the US, and sought an investigation into the company’s board and investors.

The court’s directive underscores the need for responsible conduct and adherence to legal and ethical standards in corporate governance. Grover’s actions, both on social media and in his communication with regulatory authorities, have raised serious concerns about transparency and integrity in corporate affairs.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it is imperative for all parties involved to cooperate fully with the authorities and adhere to the principles of fairness and accountability. The Delhi High Court’s intervention serves as a reminder of the consequences of defamation and the importance of upholding corporate reputation and credibility.