The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Delhi High Court, on Friday, articulated its concern regarding disparaging remarks made by Ashneer Grover, the co-founder of BharatPe, against the fintech company, instructing him to eliminate the contentious social media publications. Justice Prathiba M Singh pinpointed Grover’s tweet, which derogatorily referenced SBI chairmen, deducing it as an indirect jibe at BharatPe’s current board chairperson, Rajnish Kumar, previously the SBI chairman. The judge labeled such remarks as entirely unnecessary, indicating Grover’s blatant disregard for previous judicial mandates that prohibited him from disseminating defamatory content about the company.
Moreover, Justice Singh mandated the removal of media articles concerning Grover’s letter to the RBI, which accused BharatPe of fraudulent activities. This decision stems from a legal battle initiated by Resilient Innovations Pvt Ltd, BharatPe’s holding entity, seeking over Rs 88 crore from Grover and his family for alleged financial misappropriations and reputational damage.
In court, Grover’s legal counsel was admonished to caution him against making further detrimental statements regarding BharatPe. Emphasizing the potential negative ramifications such actions could have on the company’s operational stability, employee morale, and market reputation, the court stressed the importance of resolving disputes internally without harming the business’s interests.
The legal contention involves a request by BharatPe for judicial intervention to prevent Grover and his family from making slanderous statements, in addition to a demand for the repayment of over Rs 88.67 crore, purportedly misused by Grover. The lawsuit narrates a pattern of derogatory campaigns led by Grover and his affiliates, including relatives appointed to various company positions, which purportedly endangered the company’s standing with its international investors.
In response to these ongoing issues, the Delhi High Court previously urged all involved parties to refrain from engaging in unparliamentary and defamatory exchanges. Furthermore, in November 2023, the court penalized Grover with a Rs 2 lakh fine for his continued non-compliance with court orders and misleading representations, illustrating a persistent disregard for legal protocols and the integrity of judicial proceedings.