The Delhi High Court has rebuked Rajdeep Sardesai, directing him and his team to remove a video from his social media of BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi. In his original tweet, Rajdeep used the unauthorized video to frame Ilmi for mistreating a video journalist. The video attempts to mock and show Shazia Ilmi in a negative light. However, the High Court found that Sardesai and India Today team had no right to record or publish footage after Ilmi had left the debate and revoked her consent to be filmed. Let’s explore!
Rajdeep Sardesai: Journalistic Ethics in Question
#Breaking
"You had no authority to record and no authority to use."Delhi High Court orders Rajdeep Sardesai to take down the video he uploaded on X (Twitter) accusing BJP's Shazia Ilmi of "abusing" an India Today video journalist.@shaziailmi @sardesairajdeep #Defamation pic.twitter.com/a2T9QODpwr
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) August 13, 2024
The controversy began when Rajdeep Sardesai, husband of TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh, posted a video of Shazia Ilmi. In his post, he claimed that Shazia Ilmi had misbehaved and abused a cameraman after leaving a Live Debate on India Today. However, the truth that emerged later paints a different picture.
shazia Ilmi, limping on a fractured foot, was followed and filmed without her consent in her own house, even after she exited the live debate by India Today Team.
This flagrant invasion of privacy by a media person of a woman spokesperson has sparked a media outrage. Many question the ethical boundaries of journalism followed by Rajdeep himself and his India Today team. How far will they go to create sensational content?
Nari Samman Violated: Rajdeep Sardesai ’s Allegations Backfire
The reason why I had no choice but seek an injunction to remove the doctored video Rajdeep had posted on his X timeline is that it is being against me by scores of trolls affecting me , my image and my family .
Let me recall the lies in his tweet.
1. I never chucked the mike .…
— Shazia Ilmi (@shaziailmi) August 10, 2024
Rajdeep Sardesai’s actions after revealing the unauthorized video have come under fire for undermining Nari Samman. Despite Ilmi’s clear discomfort and attempts to distance herself from the debate, the cameraman continued to film. Later, the team chose to score brownie points by playing the victim card and using the footage to falsely depict her as an abusive spokesperson.
The Delhi High Court’s intervention is a clear indictment of Sardesai’s disregard for personal boundaries, especially towards women. The incident serves as a grim reminder of how media ethics are often sacrificed in the race for TRPs and sensational headlines.
The Fallout of Rajdeep Sardesai’s Actions
Shazia Ilmi sues Rajdeep Sardesai for defamation. Rajdeep had posted an inappropriate video which was wrongly recorded by his team..
Well done @shaziailmi pic.twitter.com/o2S3nmt7Nt
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) August 9, 2024
The Delhi High Court’s decision to slam Rajdeep Sardesai highlights a growing concern about the misuse of media power. By recording and sharing footage without consent, Sardesai has not only violated Shazia Ilmi’s privacy but also cast a shadow over journalistic integrity.
The court’s order to take down the video sends a strong message:
sensationalism must never come at the cost of personal dignity.
The court shall hear the case in full on 16th August 2024. However, the video post must be taken down by Rajdeep and the team immediately. This judgment already sets the tone of the case. It shows that the court is aware that the ethical responsibilities of journalists were set aside to build a particular narrative. And so, soon Bharat may witness a landmark judgment come forth in the courts of Delhi.
Upholding Nari Samman in Journalism
The court order against Rajdeep Sardesai and the team should be a wake-up call for the media industry. Therefore, the Delhi High Court’s decision underscores the importance of respecting women’s privacy and personal boundaries. Hence, as the media continues to play a powerful role in shaping public opinion, it is crucial that journalists remember their responsibility to uphold ethical standards.
The Shazia Ilmi incident is a stark reminder that Nari Samman must be at the forefront of all journalistic endeavors. Sensationalism, a love for Victimhood, and a talent for Voyeurism should not be portrayed as Journalism. May the demand for basic decency and respect for individuals in media win the day, just as Nari Samman won over Sensationalism today!
