Journalist Bilal Ahmad Bhat Files Criminal Defamation Complaint Against Hami, 11 Others Before CJM Srinagar

Feb 26: In a major legal development, senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Awami Reporter, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, has filed a criminal complaint before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against twelve individuals alleging a coordinated campaign of criminal defamation and reputational harm.The complaint, filed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), According to the complaint placed before the court, Bhat has alleged that the individuals engaged in dissemination of content across social media platforms claiming that an FIR had been registered against him for blackmailing and extortion. The complainant asserts that such claims are false and were circulated with the intent to harm his professional standing and personal reputation.The complaint further states that prior to publishing his own reports related to the controversy, Bhat attempted to obtain responses from the concerned individuals in accordance with journalistic practice. It is alleged that instead of responding, a counter-campaign was initiated targeting him personally.Electronic evidence has been submitted before the court in the form of a pen drive, accompanied by a statutory certificate under Section 63(4) Part A of the BNS, 2023, certifying the authenticity of the digital material relied upon.In his prayer before the court, the complainant has sought:Issuance of summons to the accused persons Criminal prosecution under Section 356 BNSInterim restraint against further alleged defamatory publications Directions for removal of the impugned content from social media platforms, The matter is now pending consideration before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, who will determine whether cognizance is to be taken and process issued.The accused persons, if summoned, will have full opportunity to contest the allegations before the competent court. Further proceedings are awaited.