A Devanahalli court in Karnatka in, Air Asia Ltd v. Sri. Gaurav Taneja dismissed a petition filed by AirAsia against Whistleblower Gaurav Taneja for defaming the company. The court observed that material facts were kept hidden by AirAsia and that Gaurav Taneja acted as a responsible pilot to take up the safety issues(called defamation by the company) on social media.
Facts
A famous Youtuber and Pilot Gaurav Taneja recently turned a whistleblower and exposed the safety lapses on the part of AirAsia. He exposed the ill-doings of the company on his Youtube Channel whereafter DGCA took cognizance of the matter and two employees were suspended. For the aforementioned reasons, the plaintiff felt that it has tarnished the image of the company and are defamatory in nature.
Defendant’s Objection
The plaintiff, it was stated, has suppressed the fact that two members of the company were suspended by DGCA post the issues raised by Mr. Taneja. Taneja also pointed out certain anomalies in the flight operations undertaken by the plaintiff company, which would lead to jeopardizing the safety of the passengers.
Court’s Order
The fact that DGCA had suspended two officers was material to the case and thus the averments of the plaintiff that they have been defamed hold no water as the defendant who exposed the company’s wrongdoing acted in all honesty. The defendant for the purpose of public safety informed the same the plaintiff company when they failed to take proper action, he lodged a written complaint. The authority conducted an inquiry and hold the officials of the plaintiff company guilty. " The court while dismissing the petition stated that "The plaintiff company suppressing this aspect moved an application and obtained an order of injunction.
