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Digital news platform Newslaundry and journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta have appealed to a Delhi district court, challenging a recent gag order issued by a civil court that restrained them from publishing alleged defamatory content against Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL). The matter was brought before district judge Sunil Chaudhary, who determined that both Newslaundry’s and Thakurta’s appeals, along with others by journalists involved, should be heard by district judge Ashish Aggarwal to ensure consistency and prevent contradictory rulings.

Previously, judge Ashish Aggarwal had lifted the same gag order on appeals filed by four other journalists. The original restraining order, passed by senior civil judge Anuj Kumar Singh on September 6, directed the removal of defamation-labeled content relating to AEL and instructed journalists to refrain from publishing unverified information about the company. This compelled both the journalists and Newslaundry to appeal the civil court’s decision.

The suits arise from a defamation claim by Adani Enterprises, which alleged that repeated reporting and published articles by certain journalists and activists not only damaged its reputation but also led to financial losses for both the company and the perception of India’s business credibility. Adani Enterprises argued that the journalists and activists had targeted key projects critical to India’s infrastructure and energy security with alleged ulterior motives.

In light of the appeals and considering the civil court’s interim findings, district judge Sunil Chaudhary directed the consolidation of all related matters before one judge—Ashish Aggarwal. The transferred matters are now scheduled for hearing.

Separately, Newslaundry has moved the Delhi High Court against a central government order to take down videos and content about Gautam Adani and AEL, passed pursuant to the contested civil court gag order.