Ashneer Grover apologises for social media posts against BharatPe, Delhi HC slaps Rs 2 lakh fine

Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, tendered an apology before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday for his controversial social media posts targeting his former employer. However, Justice Rekha Palli, while acknowledging the apology, expressed her displeasure at Grover's conduct and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh for violating the Court's previous order.

The legal saga began in May 2023 when the Court issued an order directing both Grover and BharatPe to refrain from using 'unparliamentary' and 'defamatory' language against each other. Despite the directive, BharatPe filed an application in its ongoing suit, highlighting recent social media posts by Grover containing 'defamatory' remarks against the company.

During the hearing, Advocate Giriraj Subramanium, representing Grover, informed the Court about the apology and assured that Grover would adhere to the Court's orders moving forward. Subramanium also mentioned that Grover had taken down the contentious tweets.

However, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for BharatPe, argued that the damage had already been done by the time Grover deleted his tweets, as they had been picked up by the media.

Justice Palli, after reviewing the applications and the apology, expressed her dismay at Grover's conduct. Despite the apology, she bound Grover to his undertaking and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh, which is to be paid to the Delhi High Court Clerks Association.

Towards the end of the hearing, Subramanium suggested referring the nearly 15 pending proceedings between BharatPe and Grover to mediation. However, Sibal rejected the proposal, stating, "We are not interested in that." The legal battle between the co-founder and the company continues, with the latest episode shedding light on the complexities surrounding their relationship.