Shakil-Ur-Rahman v ARY Network Ltd & Anor

The Defendants' broadcasts were defamatory of the Claimant, causing serious harm to his reputation within the jurisdiction, and none of the pleaded defences succeeded. The harassment claim failed as the impact did not occur within the jurisdiction. Compensation was awarded for libel only.

Parties: Claimant: Mir Shakil-Ur-Rahman; Defendant: ARY Network Ltd; Defendant: Fayaz Ghafoor
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 02 December 2016
Procedural Posture: Civil / Final Judgment
Outcome: Judgment for the Claimant on libel; harassment claim dismissed.
Legal Topics: Libel, Harassment, Qualified Privilege, Serious Harm, Aggravated Damages

Defamation Media Law Tort Libel Harassment Qualified Privilege Serious Harm Aggravated Damages

Case Brief

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Parties

Mir Shakil-Ur-Rahman

Claimant

ARY Network Ltd

Defendant

Fayaz Ghafoor

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether the broadcasts by the Defendants were defamatory of the Claimant
2 Whether the broadcasts amounted to harassment under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997
3 Whether the Defendants could rely on qualified privilege or other defences

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Judgment for the Claimant on libel; harassment claim dismissed.

Orders

Defendants to pay £185,000 in damages for libel.
Court to hear counsel on consequential matters including injunction and publication of summary judgment.