Grants Interim Injunction

The Hon’ble Madras High Court has recorded a finding of prima facie defamation and granted interim injunctive relief restraining India Research Watch from publishing or circulating any material concerning Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) without first obtaining SIMATS’ consent and without fairly placing SIMATS’ version, opinion, and response on record. Appearing for SIMATS, learned Senior Counsel Silambannan submitted that the impugned publications were founded on misrepresentation of evidence and selective suppression of comparative data, resulting in a distorted narrative. It was argued that India Research Watch selectively highlighted data relating to a few institutions while omitting material information concerning other institutions that, by the same metrics, recorded substantially higher retraction levels. The Court was further apprised that Achal Agarwal, Founder of India Research Watch, had authored and caused publication of multiple articles singling out SIMATS without placing complete, primary, and verifiable evidence on record. It was pointed out that, in the author’s own public writings and opinion pieces, he had expressly acknowledged that retractions do not, by themselves, establish academic malpractice, and that retractions may arise due to heightened scrutiny and attention. Despite this acknowledgment, adverse publications allegedly continued without balance, context, or opportunity for institutional response. Senior Counsel also submitted that institutions such as Anna University and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reportedly had many times higher retraction counts, yet were not subjected to comparable adverse coverage. This, it was argued, demonstrated selective targeting, undermining claims of neutrality or bona fide public-interest commentary. It was further contended that certain retractions concerning SIMATS followed persistent and coordinated communications addressed to journals by India Research Watch and associated collaborators, and that these outcomes were subsequently relied upon to publish further adverse material—thereby creating a self-reinforcing and circular narrative that compounded reputational harm. Upon consideration of the pleadings and submissions, the Hon’ble Court held that the materials disclosed a clear prima facie case of defamation, warranting immediate interim protection. Accordingly, a prima facie injunction was granted restraining India Research Watch from publishing any adverse material against SIMATS without due notice, consent, and inclusion of SIMATS’ response. The Court clarified that the issue of a mandatory injunction would be examined after completion of trial, upon full adjudication of evidence. SIMATS reiterates its commitment to academic integrity, transparency, and lawful scrutiny, while affirming that selective disclosure, suppression of material facts, and one-sided publications cannot claim the protection of fair comment or responsible free speech.