Ashneer Grover: One more post trapped Ashneer Grover, Delhi High Court imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh

National Desk: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover in a case related to alleged derogatory social media posts against the fintech company. Justice Rekha Palli took on record Grover’s apology and affidavit, but imposed the fine on him, saying “The court cannot be taken lightly.” Hearing a plea by Wali Resilient Innovations Pvt Ltd, the judge said the court was shocked to see the “persistent” and “blatant” violation of earlier orders and assurances given by Grover in this regard.

The court noted that respondent No. 2 has now filed an affidavit specifically undertaking not to make any such defamatory posts in the future and has also apologized for his past behavior, This Court is inclined to close the case at this stage. However, a fine of Rs 2 lakh is imposed, the court said. The court directed that this amount would be paid to the High Court Clerks Association.

Posted derogatory material against the company
Senior advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for the plaintiff, argued that despite the court’s order to the parties not to make defamatory statements and Grover’s undertaking to this effect, he was posting derogatory material against the fintech company on social media. The senior counsel said that the plaintiff’s earlier application was also closed after Grover gave assurance. He urged the court to issue an injunction to stop Grover from posting any such material.

Resigned from the company in March 2022
Grover resigned from the company in March 2022 and his wife was removed from her post. In the suit, apart from seeking to restrain the defendants from making defamatory statements, the company sought a direction to recover the alleged misappropriated funds and pay over Rs 88.67 crore, including interest, for the damage caused to the reputation of the company. The company had earlier claimed before the court that Grover, his wife, and other relatives were running a malicious campaign against the company, which has a large number of foreign investors. Apart from Grover and his wife, the company has named as defendants Deepak Gupta, Suresh Jain, and Shwetank Jain—all relatives of the couple, who were appointed to various positions in the company.