– Zaina Aman
1 July 2024: Renowned independent journalist Meer Faisal has taken legal action against right-wing news platform OpIndia, serving a cease and desist notice aimed at removing allegedly defamatory articles from its website, reported Maktoob Media.
In the notice addressed to OpIndia’s director Shaili Anilkumar Raval, Meer Faisal accuses the publication of repeatedly publishing false and malicious content with the intent to tarnish his reputation. According to Meer Faisal, the latest article in question, titled “Meer Faisal, whose account was withheld in India, comes back with a new ID, starts spreading hate against Hindus with fake news,” falsely portrays him as engaging in misleading reporting and inciting hatred against Hindus.
“This isn’t the first time they’ve targeted me,” Meer Faisal stated in an interview with Maktoob. “OpIndia has previously labeled me with Islamist tags and accused me of spreading fake news. These defamatory claims have not only affected my professional credibility but have also exposed me to threats and harassment from right-wing groups.”
Meer Faisal’s legal representative emphasized in the notice that OpIndia’s articles have consistently depicted him as a radical Islamist and linked him with illegal organizations, despite his role as a law-abiding journalist reporting on hate crimes and mob violence in India.
“I am a law-abiding citizen and a respected journalist based in Delhi,” Meer Faisal asserted. “My work focuses on highlighting instances of hate crimes and mob lynching, which has drawn unwarranted backlash from certain quarters.”
The notice demands the immediate removal of the contentious articles and a cessation of further defamatory publications. Meer Faisal hopes that this legal action will protect his professional integrity and deter the dissemination of false information about him.
OpIndia, known for its right-wing stance and critical commentary on Islam, has yet to publicly respond to the legal notice issued by Meer Faisal.
