NASIR MEHMOOD (BUTT) v DUNYA NEWS LIMITED

NASIR MEHMOOD (BUTT) v DUNYA NEWS LIMITED

The broadcasts, in their natural and ordinary meaning, contain unqualified factual allegations that Mr Mehmood is a murderer, drug dealer, fugitive from justice, and associated with criminality, as well as expressions of opinion associating him with blackmail and disreputable conduct. These allegations are defamatory of Mr Mehmood at common law.

Parties
Claimant: Nasir Mehmood (Butt); Defendant: Dunya News Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 April 2022
Procedural Posture
Libel / Preliminary Issues Ruling
Outcome
Findings on preliminary issues: the broadcasts contain both factual allegations and expressions of opinion, all defamatory of Mr Mehmood at common law.
Legal Topics
Libel, Natural and Ordinary Meaning, Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Allegation, Media Broadcasts
Defamation Media Law Libel Natural and Ordinary Meaning Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Allegation Media Broadcasts

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Parties

Nasir Mehmood (Butt)

Claimant

Dunya News Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Preliminary Issues Ruling

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the broadcasts complained of?
  2. 2 Do the broadcasts amount to factual allegations or statements of opinion?
  3. 3 Are the broadcasts defamatory of Mr Mehmood at common law?

Ratio Decidendi

The broadcasts, in their natural and ordinary meaning, contain unqualified factual allegations that Mr Mehmood is a murderer, drug dealer, fugitive from justice, and associated with criminality, as well as expressions of opinion associating him with blackmail and disreputable conduct. These allegations are defamatory of Mr Mehmood at common law.

Court Disposition

Findings on preliminary issues: the broadcasts contain both factual allegations and expressions of opinion, all defamatory of Mr Mehmood at common law.