The NGO had sought damages of Rs. 10,000 crore from BBC (UK) and BBC (India), alleging that the two-part documentary made false and defamatory imputations against the Prime Minister, the Indian judiciary and the criminal justice system.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): A Gujarat-based NGO, Justice on Trial, has withdrawn its Rs. 10,000-crore defamation suit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and its Indian arm over the 2023 documentary India: The Modi Question, which concerned Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Delhi High Court permitted the withdrawal on September 3, 2026. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed the NGO’s Indigent Person Application and the accompanying suit as withdrawn, while granting liberty to institute a fresh suit on the same cause of action. The withdrawal therefore does not amount to a judicial finding on the documentary’s contents or the allegations made in the case.
Suit Withdrawn
The NGO had sought damages of Rs. 10,000 crore from BBC (UK) and BBC (India), alleging that the two-part documentary made false and defamatory imputations against the Prime Minister, the Indian judiciary and the criminal justice system. It had also claimed that the documentary harmed the reputation and goodwill of India, the Government of India, the then Government of Gujarat and the people of India. Counsel for the NGO informed the High Court that he had instructions to withdraw the Indigent Person Application along with the suit, while seeking permission to file a fresh case on the same cause of action. The court granted the request.
Documentary Background
The BBC documentary, released in January 2023, examined the 2002 Gujarat riots and Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister at that time. Its release had triggered a major political and legal controversy in India. The Centre subsequently directed social-media platforms to block certain YouTube videos and posts sharing links to the documentary. The Ministry of External Affairs had described the programme as a “propaganda piece” lacking objectivity. The BBC had previously said the documentary was rigorously researched.
Earlier Proceedings
Justice on Trial had approached the Delhi High Court through an Indigent Person Application, a legal procedure that enables a person or entity unable to pay prescribed court fees upfront to seek permission to pursue a suit. The High Court had earlier issued notice to BBC (UK) and BBC (India) on the application. According to legal reporting, summons had not been issued in the main defamation suit. The case had remained pending since 2023 and had seen adjournments. With the suit now withdrawn, the proceedings have concluded for the present, although the NGO retains liberty from the court to file a fresh suit on the same cause of action.
Case Title: Justice on Trial v. British Broadcasting Corporation (India) & Anr.
Court: Delhi High Court
Order Date: September 3, 2026
Bench: Justice Tushar Rao Gedela
