The various Republic and Times Now shows, and clips circulating on the internet, include allegations against various people such as Rhea Chakraborty, Deepika Padukone, etc. and the Bollywood industry as a whole.
So what gives the plaintiffs in this case the ability to sue for defamation against Bollywood as an industry?
The lawsuit explains that “The Mumbai-based Hindi film industry known as ‘Bollywood’ constitutes a compelling and self-identifiable class comprising a finite and defined set of identifiable individuals by virtue of their professional association with the Bollywood industry. … who depend on the industry for their livelihood and are known in their individual circles for their association with that industry. “
It is argued that Bollywood is a unique industry because it is just an industry because of its relationship with its audience – their goodwill, appreciation and acceptance. The unique name and identity of “Bollywood” sets it apart from other Indian and foreign film industries, and those who work in it are clearly identified as part of Bollywood, whether in India or abroad.
As a result, “a smear campaign that lowers Bollywood’s reputation as a collective affects each of the people associated with Bollywood individually.” The effect of this smear campaign by the television channels and journalists in question would, in any case, severely affect their livelihood, with limited opportunities due to the ongoing pandemic, the effects are even greater.
However, the lawsuit is not just about the financial consequences of reputational damage. There have also been serious invasions of these people’s rights to privacy, and their lives and safety are also threatened by the “hatred and anger that the accused are provoking against them in the general public.”
.
