New Delhi, September 8, 2025 – In a precedent-setting judgment, a Delhi court has ruled that even a mere “like” on a defamatory tweet can amount to defamation, holding journalist and NDTV anchor Gargi Rawat liable for damages over her online activity.
The case, Abhijit Iyer Mitra vs. Dushyant Arora & Anr. (CS No. 886/2019), revolved around a tweet originally posted in December 2019, in which lawyer Dushyant Arora alleged that defence analyst Abhijit Iyer Mitra had been accused of rape and engaged in hate speech.
While Arora subsequently apologised and settled with Mitra in 2020, the case continued against Rawat, who had “liked” the original tweet, thereby extending its reach to her own large online following.
The Court’s Reasoning
District Judge Satyabrata Panda of Patiala House Courts held that Rawat’s action was not a neutral gesture, but a public endorsement and republication of the defamatory claim.
“By ‘liking’ the tweet, the defendant no.2 had increased the circulation and the reach of the tweet in question. Hence, the tort of defamation is clearly made out,” the court observed
The judgment makes it clear that in the digital era, a “like” is not always harmless—it can signal approval, broaden visibility, and, in cases of false allegations, amount to spreading defamatory content.
Damages Awarded
Mitra had sought ₹20 lakh in damages. The court, however, awarded him ₹10,000 in light of several mitigating factors:
- Rawat’s apparent belief that a “like” did not constitute publication.
- Mitra’s own controversial social media history, including derogatory posts and pending litigation against him
The court also ordered Rawat to delete the offending tweet from her profile, if still visible, and imposed one-fourth of the legal costs upon her
Why This Matters
This ruling is one of the first in India to explicitly hold that “liking” a post on social media can be considered republication in defamation law.
Legal experts note that this could have wide-ranging implications for online speech:
- Users may now need to exercise caution before casually liking or endorsing controversial posts.
- Journalists, influencers, and public figures with large followings may face greater scrutiny, since their online actions can amplify defamatory statements.
- The judgment adds to the evolving jurisprudence on digital defamation, where courts are still grappling with the legal impact of clicks, shares, and emojis in shaping reputations.
A Balancing Act Between Free Expression and Accountability
While the damages awarded were symbolic compared to the plaintiff’s claim, the principle established is significant: online gestures matter, and they carry legal weight.
For everyday social media users, this case serves as a stark reminder—think before you like.