Bombay High Court Orders Sprouts News to Remove Defamatory Articles Against Godrej Properties
The Bombay High Court has directed Sprouts News to take down two articles that allegedly defamed Godrej Properties Ltd, a leading real estate developer. The court also restrained the news outlet from publishing similar content.
Bombay High CourtGodrej PropertiesSprouts NewsDefamatory ArticlesReal EstateReal Estate NewsAug 23, 2025
Justice Chagla stated, “A case has been made for the plaintiff seeking urgent exparte ad-interim relief. Giving of notice to the defendants would result in the defendants publishing / further publishing the material which in my prima facie view is per se defamatory and/ or publishing further similar defamatory material causing severe damage and loss to the reputation of the plaintiff.”
According to Godrej Properties, Sprouts News published two defamatory articles on August 13 and August 18. It argued that these articles made false and serious allegations about the company's real estate project in Haryana. In the first article titled Godrej’s Rs.5,000 Crore plus project under fire over ‘toothless’ HRERA, Sprouts News claimed that Godrej had failed to obtain a mandatory fire NOC. The company said this claim was based on a repealed law - the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2009.
The second article featured an image of Godrej Properties’ official logo with the word 'Fraud' placed on it. According to the company, this was “reckless and malicious” and “grossly injurious” to its brand. Godrej argued that these statements amounted to criminal insinuation and could harm its reputation with customers and investors.
Godrej's counsel also told the court that if notice was given to Sprouts News before the hearing, the entire object and purpose of seeking urgent reliefs would be lost. The Court agreed with these submissions. Referring to the article dated August 18, the Court added, “In particular the impugned Article dated 18th August, 2025 where the Defendants has placed the term ‘Fraud” upon the Plaintiff’s logo and registered trademark and brand insignia of namely Godrej Properties Ltd., thereby conveying to the public a reckless and malicious insinuation of criminal conduct.”
Hence, it passed an injunction order restraining Sprouts News from directly or indirectly making or publishing any defamatory material. It also directed Sprouts News to immediately takedown the defamatory material from its website and social media accounts. Sprouts News was granted liberty to apply for modification or cancellation of the order by giving 48 hours’ notice to Godrej’s lawyers.
The matter will be heard again on September 8. Senior Advocates Virag Tulzapurkar and Sharan Jagtiani with advocates Mayur Khandeparkar, Karan Bhide, Nitesh Ranavat and Disha Shetty instructed by Wadia Ghandy and Co appeared for Godrej Properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue in the case between Godrej Properties and Sprouts News?
The main issue is that Godrej Properties claimed Sprouts News published two defamatory articles that made false and serious allegations about one of their real estate projects in Haryana.
What did the Bombay High Court order Sprouts News to do?
The Bombay High Court ordered Sprouts News to take down the defamatory articles and restrained the news outlet from publishing or republishing any similar content.
What was the basis of the defamatory claim in the first article by Sprouts News?
The first article claimed that Godrej Properties had failed to obtain a mandatory fire NOC, based on a repealed law - the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2009.
Why did Godrej Properties argue that the second article was particularly damaging?
The second article featured an image of Godrej Properties’ official logo with the word 'Fraud' placed on it, which Godrej argued was ‘reckless and malicious’ and ‘grossly injurious’ to its brand.
When will the matter be heard again?
The matter will be heard again on September 8.
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