Paranjoy Guha Thakurta to Fight Adani Group Defamation Case

Veteran Indian journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta is once again in the spotlight as he faces fresh defamation allegations from the Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates. The allegations are part of a broader legal battle involving accusations that content published by Thakurta and others has damaged the reputation of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), affecting its global standing and investor confidence.

The recent legal action was marked by a Delhi court on September 6, 2025, granting interim relief to the Adani Group by restraining Thakurta and several journalists and activists from publishing certain content that the court deemed prima facie defamatory. This court order also included directions to remove such content from websites and social media platforms within five days if it could not be expunged from articles or posts. The court’s decision came as part of a civil suit filed by AEL alleging that these publications were not only defamatory but also aligned with anti-India interests aimed at disrupting key infrastructure and energy projects crucial to India’s development.

Paranjoy Guha Thakurta has responded firmly to these claims, stating that he intends to vigorously defend himself in court and contest the defamation allegations made by the Adani Group. Thakurta has emphasized his commitment to journalistic integrity and his role in reporting matters of public interest, stressing that his work is based on facts and public sources.

This is not the first time Paranjoy Guha Thakurta has been involved in legal disputes with the Adani Group. Since 2017, the conglomerate has filed multiple defamation suits against him as well as his colleagues related to reporting on various aspects of the group’s operations, including questions raised about alleged inflated costs and regulatory benefits given to Adani in power sector projects. These suits have extended to different courts across India, with some cases still ongoing and others dismissed or settled.

His reporting notably attracted attention after the release of a 2023 US investment research report from Hindenburg Research, which accused Adani of accounting fraud and stock manipulation. This international report referenced investigations by Guha Thakurta and others, increasing the scrutiny on the legal pressure faced by the journalist.

The defamation suits involving Paranjoy Guha Thakurta bring forward important questions about the balance between protecting corporate reputation and safeguarding freedom of the press. On one side, companies like the Adani Group argue that unverified or defamatory publications can cause real harm to business interests and national economic security. On the other side, journalists and free speech advocates stress the critical role of investigative reporting in holding powerful entities accountable and maintaining transparency.

Critics of the lawsuits have suggested that the repeated legal actions could have a chilling effect on media freedom in India, potentially deterring journalists from pursuing stories of public interest due to fear of legal repercussions. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have called for the withdrawal of such charges and expressed concern over the use of defamation laws as tools to intimidate the press.

The legal battle is set to continue with hearing dates scheduled in late 2025. Paranjoy Guha Thakurta’s stance remains clear: he will defend his right to free and fair journalism while responding to the allegations in a court of law. The case is closely watched by media professionals, legal experts, and advocates of free expression as it highlights the complex interplay between corporate power, press freedom, and democratic accountability in contemporary India.

In conclusion, this ongoing dispute between Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and the Adani Group is significant not just as a legal matter but also for what it represents in the wider context of media freedom and the responsibilities of both corporations and journalists. It remains important for this discussion to continue in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved while ensuring transparency and the truth remain central to public discourse.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies