Times Now Navbharat Files Lawsuit Over Show Title in Delhi High Court
The Bennett Coleman and Company Limited (BCCL), the parent company of Times Now Navbharat, has initiated legal proceedings against Network18 and journalist Sushant Sinha in the Delhi High Court. The dispute centers around the use of the title “Desh Ki Pathshala” for a news analysis program, which BCCL claims infringes upon their trademarked show titled “News Ki Pathshala.”
Previously, Sushant Sinha hosted “News Ki Pathshala” on Times Now Navbharat before transitioning to Network18, where he began hosting “Desh Ki Pathshala.” The current host of “News Ki Pathshala” is journalist Rubika Liyaquat.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani is presiding over the case. During the initial hearing, Senior Advocate Hemant Singh represented BCCL and argued that Sushant Sinha’s involvement in developing “News Ki Pathshala” began in 2021, continuing until his departure in April 2026, alongside five other employees who also moved to Network18.
Allegations of Trademark and Copyright Infringement
Advocate Singh emphasized the unique classroom-like format of “News Ki Pathshala,” where the anchor assumes a teacher’s role. He argued that the style, color scheme, and lettering of “Desh Ki Pathshala” are nearly identical to BCCL’s show, thus constituting trademark infringement. “The only distinction lies in the use of ‘Desh’ instead of ‘News.’ Sinha, my former consultant, is now using the same format and anchor for a competing program,” Singh contended.
Singh further alleged copyright infringement, highlighting similarities in the show’s format, including digital blackboards and revision chapters, suggesting these elements were replicated in “Desh Ki Pathshala.”
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Network18 and Sushant Sinha’s Defense
Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing Sushant Sinha, rebuffed BCCL’s claims, noting that a previous lawsuit by BCCL had not resulted in any interim relief. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Sanjeev Sindhwani, speaking for Network18, accused BCCL of being the actual infringer, asserting that the term “Pathshala” had been used in other shows prior to its adoption by Times Now Navbharat.
Justice Bhambhani reviewed the trademarks and remarked that the “look and feel” of the programs appeared distinct. Sindhwani pointed out the historical usage of “Pathshala” in other programs dating back to 2015, challenging BCCL’s claim of originality.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
After deliberation, the High Court decided to consider BCCL’s request for an interim injunction only after responses from Sushant Sinha and Network18 are filed. Consequently, the Court issued notices concerning the interim relief application and summoned Sinha and Network18 to respond to the lawsuit. The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 25.
