Case Title: San Nutrition Vs. Arpit Mangal
Date of Order: April 28, 2025
Case Number: CS(COMM) 420/2024
Neutral Citation: 2025:DHC:2973
Name of Court: High Court (Delhi)
Presiding Judge: Hon’ble Justice Amit Bansal
Fact:
The plaintiff, San Nutrition, a company engaged in the sale and marketing of nutraceutical and healthcare products, filed a suit against the defendant, Arpit Mangal, alleging that the defendant, a social media influencer, posted videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram containing defamatory, disparaging, and infringing statements concerning the plaintiff's products. The defendant's statements were backed by scientific reports, and the plaintiff contended that these videos damaged its reputation and business interests.
Procedural Details:
The plaintiff sought an interim injunction to restrain the defendant from further defamatory statements. Summons and notices were issued, but the defendant did not appear or file a written statement. The court heard arguments from the plaintiff and amici curiae appointed to assist in balancing the rights to free speech versus reputation. The matter was reserved for judgment after multiple hearings.
Issue:
Whether the defendant’s social media posts, supported by scientific reports, warrant an injunction restricting their transmission, balancing free speech rights and the plaintiff's right to reputation.
Decision:
The court dismissed the plaintiff’s application for interim injunction. It held that the statements made by the defendant had a scientific basis, and therefore, the court could not restrain such expressions that are protected under the right to free speech. The court emphasized the importance of protecting free expression, especially when statements are backed by objective scientific evidence and not reckless or reckless in nature.
