Srinagar, Feb 12: Social activist Sandeep Mawa has filed a ₹1100 crore civil defamation suit before the Court of the Additional District Judge (ADJ), Srinagar, against 16 individuals, alleging a coordinated campaign of defamatory statements and reputational harm through social media platforms and public discourse.
The suit, instituted through Advocate Arzaan Ahmad Dar & Associates, names Sheikh Ghulam Rasool alias Hami as the principal defendant, along with Rakesh Handoo, Vijay Bakaya, Sanjay Saraf and several others including media handlers and digital platforms.
According to the plaint, the plaintiff has alleged that the defendants circulated defamatory content, personal imputations and derogatory remarks targeting his character, religious identity and public standing. The suit claims that the material was disseminated through digital platforms, videos, and public addresses, resulting in reputational damage and mental distress.
Mawa has contended that the controversy arose after he publicly opposed certain religious practices which he believed were misleading the public. He alleges that this triggered hostility, leading to what he describes as a sustained campaign of character assassination.
While hearing the matter, the ADJ Srinagar granted interim relief, observing that a prima facie case had been established at this stage. The court temporarily restrained the defendants from publishing or circulating any alleged defamatory material against the plaintiff until the next date of hearing.
The court clarified that the order is interim in nature and that the defendants are at liberty to seek modification or cancellation of the restraint order. The matter has been listed for hearing on February 20, 2026.
The case has drawn attention in legal circles as it highlights the growing number of high-value defamation disputes arising from digital platforms and the evolving balance between freedom of expression and the right to reputation.
As the matter is sub judice, the allegations remain to be adjudicated on merits.
