GITAM files ₹20-crore defamation suit over alleged misinformation campaign
GITAM Deemed to be University has filed a civil defamation suit seeking damages of ₹20 crore against Mr. K.K. Raju (Sakshi Group, Leader newspaper, and others), alleging that they were involved in a coordinated campaign to spread misinformation regarding construction activity on university-owned land.
The university has also initiated criminal defamation proceedings and issued legal notices to 69 social media account holders for allegedly circulating defamatory content on platforms such as X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
According to the university, Mr. Raju, in his public speeches, alleged that GITAM had acquired land through a “backdoor process” and had misused its influence. The university alleged that these claims were subsequently amplified through television channels, newspapers, and social media platforms, portraying the ongoing construction on its campus as illegal.
As part of its legal action, GITAM has also served notices on Meta, Google, X, and the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), seeking removal of the disputed content and action against its continued dissemination.
The university said it had submitted documentary evidence before the competent authorities to establish that the construction was being undertaken with all requisite statutory approvals. These include building plan approval from the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), clearances from the aviation and fire departments, approvals from the mining authorities, and other regulatory permissions.
In a statement, GITAM described the allegations that the construction was illegal as “a reckless misrepresentation of the truth” and said it had decided to pursue legal remedies after compiling documentary evidence in support of its case.
The university further claimed that this was not the first legal dispute involving the Sakshi Group. It said that, in an earlier defamation case involving similar allegations, a court had ruled in its favour and awarded compensation.
Stating that the alleged misinformation campaign had the potential to affect students, parents, faculty members, alumni, and other stakeholders, the university said it remained committed to its academic activities while pursuing the matter through established legal channels. It added that all relevant material would be placed before the appropriate judicial forums.
There was no immediate response from Mr. Raju or the organisations named in the proceedings.