HC seeks daily's reply on Vadra son's defamation suit

Delhi High Court today sought response from an English daily on a civil defamation suit filed against it for publishing a news item that Priyanka Vadra's minor son will be adopted by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.
"Issue notice to the respondents (English daily and its Editor)," Justice Manmohan said, adding that the replies be filed within four weeks. The court has now fixed the matter for further hearing on May 11.
The court notices were issued on a suit filed by the minor through his mother Priyanka for permanent injunction and damages on the ground of defamation.
Senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, appearing for the minor, alleged that the "allegation that plaintiff's uncle has been named as his guardian in the school admission form, is false, incorrect and defamatory".

The counsel said that the articles have been written with the sole intent of causing embarrassment and harm to the minor and his family.
Subramaniam also sought from the court some directions on the "constitutional issue of protection of rights of a minor".
Justice Manmohan then asked Subramaniam whether the publication has tendered any unconditional apology to which he replied it was done.