The Delhi High Court has directed PhysicsWallah and Scholars Den to explore an out‑of‑court settlement through mediation in their defamation dispute. The move follows PW’s interim injunction against Scholars Den’s “Sasta Wallah” ads and comes as PW prepares for its SEBI‑approved IPO.
Delhi HC Refers PhysicsWallah vs Scholars Den Defamation Suit to Mediation
PW filed the suit after Scholars Den ran advertisements labelling its competitor “Sasta Wallah” (cheap one), implying substandard quality due to lower pricing
Prateek Maheshwari (left) with Alakh Pandey (right)
Summary
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The Delhi High Court on July 23directed edtech firm PhysicsWallah (PW) and rival coaching institute Scholars Den to explore an out‑of‑court settlement in their ongoing defamation suit.
Justice Tejas Karia referred the matter to the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (DHCMCC), instructing both parties to appear on July 31 to “explore the possibility of settlement through mediation.”
The Case
PW filed the suit after Scholars Den ran advertisements labelling its competitor “Sasta Wallah” (cheap one), implying substandard quality due to lower pricing.
PW secured an interim injunction in December 2024, restraining Scholars Den from further dissemination of the contested ads. During the July 23 hearing Scholars Den’s counsel assured the court that no additional injuncted advertisements would be published, prompting the judge to facilitate mediation.
In addition to the referral, the High Court ordered Scholars Den to file its formal reply within three weeks, with PW permitted to submit a rejoinder the following week. The suit is next listed for hearing on September 3.
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Both sides indicated an openness to amicable resolution, a move viewed as conducive to preserving professional reputations amid high‑stakes litigation.
The defamation action gains added significance as PhysicsWallah gears up for its long‑awaited initial public offering. The edtech unicorn recently received SEBI approval for its IPO, potentially becoming India’s first major listed edtech start‑up.
PW Financials
PW was founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari. The edtech major has expanded rapidly, operating hybrid learning centres nationwide and offering courses across 43 test‑prep categories, skilling programmes and higher‑education pathways.
Despite its growth, PW reported widening losses in FY24, with net losses ballooning to Rs 1,131.2 crore from Rs 84.06 crore a year earlier, even as operating revenue rose 2.6 times to Rs 1,940.4 crore. Against this backdrop, the defamation suit underscores the company’s sensitivity to brand image and competitive positioning ahead of its market debut.
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