On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court summoned Asia News International (ANI) following a defamation lawsuit filed by a man. The lawsuit stems from an interview the news agency conducted with his wife, wherein she falsely alleged that she received a Triple Talaq (instant divorce) for failing to bear a male child.

The petitioner, Dr. Danish Hashim, asserted that he adheres to the Shia sect of Islam, emphasizing that Triple Talaq is not acknowledged as a valid form of divorce within this community. Consequently, he contended that the accusations leveled against him are unfounded and defamatory.

Justice Prathiba M Singh presided over the case and issued notices regarding the interim relief application. Summons and notices were sent to Hashim’s wife, Huma, along with their daughter. The Court observed that the news report has been accessible since 2021 and stated that it will first listen to the defendants before deciding on any orders. The next hearing is scheduled for March 20th.

In January 2021, ANI released a story and a video interview featuring Huma Hashim, wherein she alleged that she had been married to Danish Hashim for almost 20 years but was subjected to Triple Talaq after failing to conceive a son.

She further claimed that she was coerced into undergoing multiple abortions and had also suffered physical abuse from her husband. Huma Hashim stated that she had lodged a complaint with Delhi’s Saket Court regarding the matter.

In the said matter, Danish Hashim asserted that he had separated from his wife in 2020 and refuted the allegation of giving Triple Talaq, stating it lacked truth. He emphasized that no legal divorce had occurred according to Shia personal law. Hashim highlighted that the presence of the news report and video interview on ANI since January 2021 has significantly prejudiced his personal and professional reputation.

After considering the case, the Court directed Danish Hashim's counsel to remove ANI's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Director from the list of parties involved in the lawsuit.

Previously, Danish Hashim had lodged a writ petition requesting ANI and several other media outlets to remove the purportedly defamatory content. However, the petition was resolved last year, granting him the freedom to pursue a civil suit instead.

The defamation lawsuit has been filed by Advocate Jayant Bhatt on behalf of Danish Hashim.