The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to pass an immediate restraining order against NDTV regarding reports on CBI and ED cases linked to industrialist Anil Ambani, citing the need to protect freedom of speech. The court observed that issues concerning Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution require detailed consideration before any judicial curbs are imposed.

Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice to NDTV and other defendants on Ambani's plea seeking an interim injunction in a defamation suit, listing the matter for further hearing in July 2026.

Ambani has sought damages of Rs 2.1 crore from the media organisation, alleging that NDTV carried out a campaign by publishing 72 articles over the last eight months, linking him personally to investigations against Reliance ADA Group companies.

The court maintained a high threshold for interfering with journalistic output, with Justice Prasad remarking that there is a distinction between news and views, and that the plaintiff would have to establish that the reports were so incorrect that they warranted an injunction.

The court will resume hearing the matter in July 2026, with the plaintiff expected to provide further arguments in support of the interim injunction.