Supreme Court Considers Mandating Public Apology from Former Chancellor Over Defamatory Remarks Against Professor
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, 27, September,2024
In a pivotal hearing on September 27, the Supreme Court expressed its intention to direct former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Feroz Bakht Ahmad, to issue a public apology regarding his controversial comments labelling Professor Ehtesham Ahmad Khan as a “sexual predator.” This remark was made in connection with allegations of sexual harassment against students at the university.
The court’s deliberation follows a defamation suit filed by Professor Ehtesham under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, challenging the allegations made by Ahmad. Notably, the university’s internal complaints committee found no evidence to support the claims against the professor.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and V.K. Viswanathan is currently reviewing Ahmad’s petition against a Telangana High Court decision that refused to quash the criminal proceedings initiated by Professor Ehtesham.
During the proceedings, Advocate Devina Sehgal, representing Feroz Bakht Ahmad, informed the court of an affidavit of apology submitted by her client. However, Advocate Anil Kumar, representing Professor Ehtesham, raised objections to the apology.
Justice Gavai remarked that the court would consider requiring Ahmad to publish the apology in a newspaper, emphasizing that it should be done prominently. The case has been adjourned for further hearings next week, as the court seeks to address the serious implications of the remarks made and the defamation claim brought forth by the professor.
