The defamation case stems from a social media graphic shared by CJP spokesperson Sourav Das. The post carried a statement attributed to Gaurav Bhatia, describing Swatantra Bhardwaj, who has been accused by the CJP of attacking its activist Nishu Azad’s father, as a “Dimagi Naxal”.
The graphic also attributed to Bhatia remarks alleging that Bhardwaj was “poisoned by casteism” and had no connection with the BJP.
Bhatia has termed the statement fake and defamatory, and has moved the Delhi High Court seeking legal action against those allegedly responsible for publishing and circulating it.
Bhatia sought apology and deletion
According to the complaint, Bhatia had earlier given Sourav Das 24 hours to remove the post and issue an unconditional apology.
Das subsequently deleted the graphic and clarified on X that it had been created using artificial intelligence (AI). However, he questioned Bhatia’s objection to the statement itself and continued to raise questions about the BJP’s position on the controversy.
Das also referred to BJP ally Chirag Paswan’s reported action against Bhardwaj and questioned why BJP leaders had not taken a similar position.
Ranka accused of amplifying disputed post
CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka has also been named in the case. Bhatia has accused Ranka of reposting the disputed graphic from Das’s account, thereby increasing its circulation.
Ranka allegedly accompanied the repost with a caption targeting BJP leaders.
The case also names CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, with Bhatia seeking damages and other relief against the CJP leaders involved in the alleged publication and circulation of the content.
Controversy linked to alleged Jantar Mantar attack
The dispute is linked to an incident involving Sanjay Kumar, the father of CJP activist Nishu Azad, during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 23.
According to allegations made by the CJP, Swatantra Bhardwaj and others were involved in an attack on Sanjay Kumar during the protest. The organisation has demanded action against Bhardwaj in connection with the incident.
Bhardwaj had claimed that he had “cracked Azad’s father’s skull”, but later denied making the statement.
Following the incident, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke invited Sanjay Kumar onto the stage during the protest and spoke about the alleged assault.
Defamation case now before Delhi High Court
Bhatia’s petition places the social media controversy before the Delhi High Court, with the BJP leader seeking Rs 2 crore in damages, an apology and restrictions on further sharing of the disputed material.
The case is expected to bring renewed attention to the use of AI-generated content in political disputes and the legal consequences of circulating statements falsely attributed to public figures.
