Mumbai | July 11, 2025
The Times of India group has sought a two-week extension to respond to a ₹1 Lakh Crore legal notice jointly issued by Mr. Satish Salian (father of the late Disha Salian), Mr. Rashid Khan Pathan, and Mr. Mursalin Sheikh. The notice, served through their legal counsel, accuses the media house of carrying out a systematic and malicious campaign of defamation.
This request for extension was made by Times of India’s legal counsel, Advocate Vijay Hiremath, who is representing not only the Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd., but also its Managing Director Vineet Jain, reporter Rosy Sequeira, editor Derrick D’sa, and senior editorial staff from The Economic Times.
According to the notice, journalists affiliated with the Times of India group knowingly published one-sided, misleading, incomplete, and factually unfounded reports in connection with the Disha Salian case, even though the matter is currently sub judice before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.
The complainants contend that the coverage was not merely negligent or irresponsible, but part of a deliberate attempt to sanitize the public image of certain high-profile accused individuals, while simultaneously maligning and discrediting Mr. Satish Salian, Mr. Rashid Khan Pathan, and Mr. Mursalin Sheikh — all three of whom have played a prominent and principled role in the ongoing fight for justice.
“This reckless and agenda-driven reportage has not only caused serious and irreparable harm to their personal dignity and public reputation, but has also undermined the sanctity of the judicial process, and threatens to prejudice the fair adjudication of the matter,” the notice states.
Advocate Ishwarlal Agarwal, Tanveer Nizam representing for the complainants, confirmed that the Times of India group has formally sought two weeks’ time to submit a comprehensive reply to the allegations. He further stated that civil and criminal proceedings, including for defamation, contempt of court, and obstruction of justice, are under active legal consideration.
