A Gujarat-based NGO has withdrawn its defamation suit against the BBC over the broadcaster’s 2023 documentary, India: The Modi Question, which examined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The NGO, Justice on Trial, had filed the case in the Delhi High Court three years ago, accusing the BBC of defaming Modi and the Indian judiciary. It has now sought permission to file a fresh suit on the same cause of action. The matter came up before Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on September 3.
Counsel for the NGO informed the court that he had instructions to withdraw the case. He also clarified that the notice issued in the matter concerned an application seeking permission to sue as an indigent person, rather than the defamation suit itself.
Recording the submission, the court said, “He states that he is under instructions to withdraw the... suit with liberty to file fresh suit for the same cause of action.” The High Court subsequently dismissed the suit as withdrawn.
Justice on Trial had sought ₹10,000 in damages, claiming that the documentary had harmed the reputation and goodwill of the Prime Minister, the Union and Gujarat governments, and the people of India.
The BBC documentary had cited a previously unpublished UK Foreign Office report that raised questions about Modi’s actions during the 2002 riots, when he was Gujarat’s chief minister. The Indian government had strongly rejected the documentary, describing it as “propaganda” and a reflection of a “colonial mindset”.
The NGO had argued that the documentary was defamatory and failed to present the facts surrounding the riots objectively. It maintained that the response of the government and judiciary had been aimed at restoring the rule of law and holding those responsible accountable, irrespective of their position.
The BBC, however, defended the programme, saying it had been rigorously researched and produced in accordance with its highest editorial standards.
The controversy had prompted the government to direct YouTube to remove copies of the documentary and Twitter, now known as X, to take down related posts. The government had accused the BBC of promoting a “discredited narrative”, while noting that the Supreme Court had cleared Modi of wrongdoing.
In February 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the BBC in India, describing it as "completely misconceived”. That same month, Income Tax authorities conducted a “survey” at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai, triggering a political row. Opposition parties had linked the action to the broadcaster’s documentary.
