Shakil-Ur-Rahman v Ary Network Ltd & Anor [2015] EWHC 2917 (QB) (27 November 2015)

Shakil-Ur-Rahman v Ary Network Ltd & Anor [2015] EWHC 2917 (QB) (27 November 2015)

The broadcasts, in their natural and ordinary meaning, imputed that the Claimant was guilty of treason and disloyalty to Pakistan, based on factual allegations, not merely opinion. The words were unequivocal and at Chase level 1 (guilt).

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2015] EWHC 2917
Parties
Claimant: Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman; First Defendant: ARY Network Limited; Second Defendant: Fayaz Ghafoor
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 November 2015
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Preliminary Issues Trial on Meaning and Fact/opinion
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant on meaning and fact/opinion.
Legal Topics
Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Fact Vs Opinion, Innuendo Meaning, Chase Levels, Lucas Box Meanings
Defamation Media Law Meaning of Defamatory Statements Fact Vs Opinion Innuendo Meaning Chase Levels Lucas Box Meanings

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman

Claimant

ARY Network Limited

First Defendant

Fayaz Ghafoor

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Preliminary Issues Trial on Meaning and Fact/opinion

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of in the broadcasts?
  2. 2 Are the words statements of fact or opinion?

Ratio Decidendi

The broadcasts, in their natural and ordinary meaning, imputed that the Claimant was guilty of treason and disloyalty to Pakistan, based on factual allegations, not merely opinion. The words were unequivocal and at Chase level 1 (guilt).

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant on meaning and fact/opinion.

Orders

  • The words complained of in the specified broadcasts bear the meanings contended for by the Claimant or as found by the Court.
  • The meanings are factual and at Chase level 1 (guilt) for the first two broadcasts; factual and comment for the third broadcast.