CORPORATE ‘JOHN DOE’ INJUNCTIONS AGAINST REPORTING

A Delhi Civil Court granted the powerful Adani Group a sweeping, ex-parte injunction (a court order issued without hearing the defendant’s side) that gave the conglomerate the power to censor journalists and content creators. The order directed media houses and YouTube channels to delete over 200 pieces of content and included a “John Doe” clause, allowing the company to indefinitely target any unnamed future critics.

The Impact on the Media Industry: This case sets a dangerous precedent for corporate censorship, allowing powerful entities to use the judiciary to bypass editorial pushback and enforce immediate content takedowns. It directly threatens investigative journalists, podcasters, and satirists who report on influential business groups, chilling public interest reporting through the threat of crippling legal action.

Corporate Censorship, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and Judicial Threat to Free Speech.

In an age where corporate power increasingly dictates media narratives, how can investigative reporters—especially freelancers and small outlets—secure the necessary legal defense to continue scrutinizing powerful conglomerates?