Delhi High Court Slams Newslaundry Journalist for Indecent Language Against TV Today Content
Judges Say Journalists Must Uphold Decency and Professional Standards
Court Warns Remarks Could Damage Careers, Later Clarifies No Punitive Action
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 23, 2026:
The Delhi High Court has pulled up Manisha Pande, Executive Editor of digital news platform Newslaundry, for using the word “shit” to describe content aired by TV Today Network, which owns popular channels like Aaj Tak, India Today, and Good News Today. The court observed that such language was “gross” and “disparaging,” stressing that journalists must maintain dignity and decency in reporting.
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The case arose during hearings of appeals filed by TV Today Network and Newslaundry over alleged defamation and disparagement in Newslaundry’s critical videos. While the court expressed strong displeasure at Pande’s choice of words, it later clarified that it did not intend to act against her personally but wanted to highlight the importance of professional standards in journalism.
Background of the Case
- The Dispute: TV Today Network filed a case against Newslaundry, alleging that its videos unfairly disparaged and defamed the network’s content.
- The Video in Question: In one of the videos, Manisha Pande referred to TV Today’s channel Good News Today as “shit.”
- Court’s Reaction: A division bench of Justice C Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla said the remark was indecent and warned that such comments could harm Pande’s career.
- Clarification: The next day, the court clarified that it had no intention of taking punitive action against Pande but emphasized that journalists must use dignified language.
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Court’s Observations
The High Court made several key points:
- Decency in Reporting: Journalists must uphold basic standards of decency and professionalism.
- Impact on Careers: Indecent remarks can damage reputations and careers in journalism.
- Freedom of Criticism: While criticism of media content is allowed, it must be expressed in dignified terms.
- No Punitive Action: The court clarified that its remarks were not meant to prejudice Pande’s career but to stress the importance of responsible reporting.
Why This Ruling Matters
- For Journalists: The ruling is a reminder that freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
- For Media Houses: It highlights the tension between traditional broadcasters and digital platforms over criticism and content standards.
- For Courts: The case shows how courts balance free expression with professional ethics.
- For Audiences: It raises awareness about the standards expected in public discourse and media critique.
Wider Implications
- Media Ethics: The case underscores the need for ethical guidelines in digital journalism.
- Legal Scrutiny: Courts may continue to scrutinize language used in media critiques, especially when it borders on defamation.
- Public Debate: The incident has sparked debate on whether strong language in media criticism should be tolerated as free speech or curbed for professionalism.
- Digital vs Traditional Media: The case reflects growing friction between established broadcasters and independent digital platforms.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s criticism of Manisha Pande for calling TV Today’s content “shit” is a landmark reminder of the importance of decency in journalism. While the court later clarified that it did not intend punitive action, its strong words highlight the need for journalists to balance freedom of expression with professional responsibility.
This case will likely influence future debates on media ethics, defamation, and the boundaries of free speech in India’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
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