UK · EWHCCourt order
High Court: settlement 'denigrate' undertaking covers accurate republication
In Ranger v Joshi [2026] EWHC 2451 (KB), the High Court held that a settlement undertaking not to “denigrate” uses its ordinary meaning and is not limited to unfair or inaccurate statements, Solicitors Journal reported on September 25, 2026. Richard Spearman KC granted a narrow permanent injunction restraining republication of nine social-media posts linking critical press coverage and requiring their deletion. The court rejected arguments that accuracy or fairness defeated the undertaking.
Key points
- The High Court enforced a Tomlin Order mutual undertaking not to denigrate in Ranger v Joshi.Solicitors Journal
- “Denigrate” was given its ordinary meaning and is not confined to inaccurate or unfair statements.Solicitors Journal
- A narrow permanent injunction restrains republication of nine posts and requires deletion.Solicitors Journal
- The court refused a broad general non-denigration injunction for lack of clarity for committal.Solicitors Journal