Ajit Bharihoke, J.

1. Background facts giving rise to these petitions are that an Article titled "Racket Game Lobs" appeared in the issue of Outlook (English) magazine dated 30th June 2008 wherein the author of the Article wrote on the subject of rampant profiteering by bogus private educational institutes at the cost of unsuspecting students resulting in adverse impact on the future of the students and the financial resources of their parents. In the said article, there was a reference to the respondent No. 1/complainant M/s. Planman Consulting India Pvt. Ltd. and its sister concern Indian Institute of Planning and Management (for short "IIPM"). M/s Planman Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., aggrieved by the content of above referred article published in the magazine `Outlook' filed a criminal complaint under Sections 499, 500, 501 and 502 read with Sections 34 & 35 IPC against the petitioners, claiming that the article published in the issue dated 30th June, 2008 of Outlook magazine is derogatory and defamatory, aimed at tarnishing the image of respondent No. 1.

2. Criminal Miscellaneous (Main) No. 4235/2009 has been filed jointly by four petitioners namely M/s. Outlook Publishing (India)