The Serum Institute and Adar Poonawalla are already facing many similar cases where court had issued them notices which includes Suit at thane seeking Rs. 5 Lakh Crores damages and Writ Petition seeking ₹1,000 crores in interim compensation for the death of Dr. Snehal Lunawat.
The legal battle, spearheaded by Adv. Onkar Kakde, Adv. Nilesh Ojha, Adv. Chandrakant Rohaankar, Adv. Ishwarlal Agarwal, Adv. Dipali Ojha, Adv. Vijay Kurle, and a team of approximately 200 advocates, represents a major confrontation with the Serum Institute over alleged defamatory actions and unlawful practices.
Nagpur:
1. In a monumental legal development, the court on 18.01.2025 has issued a show cause notice to Adar and Cyrus Poonawalla, the Serum Institute of India, and the Times of India. This notice is in response to an application seeking the attachment of their properties and their detention in jail until they provide a bank guarantee of ₹12 lakh crores. This case is another addition to the growing list of high-profile legal challenges faced by the Poonawallas and the Serum Institute, who are accused of defamation, unethical practices, and endangering public health.
2. This recent development follows the earlier case of issuance of a show cause notice by a division bench of the Bombay High Court to Bill Gates, Adar Poonawalla, and the Serum Institute in another high-profile case. This case, filed by Shri Dilip Lunawat, seeks ₹1,000 crores in interim compensation for the death of his daughter, Dr. Snehal Lunawat, which was caused by the side effects of Covishield vaccine. The legal troubles for the Poonawallas and their global collaborators, including the Bill Gates group, have compounded, particularly following Donald Trump’s re-election as the President of the United States, a move seen as a significant blow to the vaccine mafia Gates group’s influence.
3. This ₹12 lakh crore defamation suit follows an earlier case filed by the plaintiff, Shri Prakash Pohre, which is registered as Special Civil Suit No. 417 of 2023. In the earlier case, pending before the Hon’ble Civil Judge, Senior Division, Nagpur, damages of ₹10,000 crores have been sought for defamatory and damaging actions allegedly undertaken by the Serum Institute and its affiliates.
4. Additionally, a separate defamation suit seeking ₹5 lakh crores in damages is also ongoing. Registered as Special Civil Suit No. 295 of 2024, this case is being heard in the Court of Civil Judge, Senior Division, Thane. Filed by Shri Yusuf Thanawalla, a prominent member of the Awaken India Movement (AIM), this lawsuit has also seen show cause notices being issued to the Poonawallas, the Serum Institute, and 38 media houses for their alleged involvement in suppressing the truth and harassing individuals seeking justice.
The Allegations Against Serum Institute and Poonawallas
The core of the allegations against the Poonawallas and the Serum Institute centers around the manufacture, promotion, and distribution of the Covishield vaccine. The vaccine, caused severe side effects and deaths, which were deliberately suppressed to protect their profits. The defendants are accused of silencing victims and activists through defamatory statements, false complaints, and coercive tactics.
The plaintiffs further allege that the Serum Institute and Adar Poonawalla have made baseless and defamatory claims against individuals, including Shri Prakash Pohre. In particular, it is claimed that the defendants accused Shri Pohre of manipulating the court to obtain favorable rulings, a claim that has led to significant reputational and financial damage.
Amplified Damages and Media Involvement
The present defamation suit seeks damages of ₹12 lakh crores, with allegations that the defendants, through affidavits and public statements, engaged in a concerted effort to defame the plaintiffs and manipulate public opinion. It is also alleged that The Times of India, played a pivotal role in amplifying the defamatory narrative. Publications dated 13.08.2024 and 20.08.2024 are specifically cited as examples of biased reporting that deliberately avoided verifying facts, causing further harm to the plaintiffs’ reputation.
The ₹5 Lakh Crore Suit by AIM Member
Another critical defamation suit, filed by Shri Yusuf Thanawalla, seeks ₹5 lakh crores in damages. Thanawalla, a prominent member of AIM, accuses the Serum Institute and Poonawallas of targeting activists and victims through unlawful means, including running false narratives to suppress dissent. This case has also seen the issuance of show cause notices to 38 media houses for their role in disseminating one-sided and distorted information.
A Pattern of Defamatory Behavior
The ongoing legal battles highlight a consistent pattern of behavior by the defendants, wherein they allegedly use their influence and resources to suppress dissent, defame critics, and avoid accountability. The plaintiffs argue that these actions have caused immense financial, social, and emotional harm, compelling them to seek justice through the courts.
Implications of the Case
The issuance of a show cause notice in this ₹12 lakh crore case underscores the gravity of the allegations against the Serum Institute, Adar and Cyrus Poonawalla, and their collaborators. The case raises important questions about corporate accountability, the role of the media, and the ethical responsibilities of vaccine manufacturers in ensuring public safety.
As these high-stakes legal battles unfold, they are likely to set significant precedents for defamation law, corporate ethics, and the protection of public interest. All eyes are now on the courts as they navigate the complexities of these cases and the monumental damages sought by the plaintiffs.
