Journalist Omar Rashid Files Defamation Suit Over Anonymous S*xual Harassment Allegations After NHRC Closes Case
Journalist Omar Rashid has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against an anonymous woman lawyer over unverified social media allegations. The allegations included s*xual harassment and other grave allegations against him on social media last year. The case follows the NHRC's closure of an inquiry after police found no grounds to proceed.
Journalist Omar Rashid has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against an anonymous woman lawyer who levelled s*xual harassment and other grave allegations against him on social media last year. The matter is listed for hearing before Justice Sachin Datta. The legal action follows a prolonged controversy sparked by unverified online posts that accused Rashid of serious offences, including alleged rape and "force-feeding beef".
Background of the Allegations and NHRC Inquiry
The dispute originated from anonymous social media allegations posted online, which prompted Tanmay N., the convenor of the "Sahyadri Rights Forum", to approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), reports Live Law. Acting on the complaint, the NHRC registered a case on May 23, 2025, naming both Rashid and the news portal "The Wire", where he was previously employed, and directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to investigate the claims. Urban Company vs Kent RO: Water Purifier Ads Spark Legal Battle in Delhi High Court.
Following an inquiry that lasted over 300 days, the Delhi Police submitted a report stating that no further action was required. Investigators found that the complainant refused to disclose her identity or address and showed no interest in pursuing the matter.
Case Closure and Legal Recourse
After Rashid moved the Delhi High Court for a timely resolution, the High Court directed the Commission to expedite the proceedings. With no response received from the complainant regarding the police findings, the NHRC concluded its proceedings. Gaurav Bhatia Files INR 2 Crore Defamation Suit Against CJP's Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
“In view of the above facts and circumstances, the Commission is of the opinion that no further intervention is warranted in the matter. The case is closed,” the NHRC stated in its final order. With the rights panel closing the inquiry, Rashid has now initiated defamation proceedings in the High Court seeking legal accountability over the matter.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 08:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
