Neil Wilby Media

A copy of the latest court order handed down in libel and slander proceedings, filed at the High Court in London in January, 2023, reveals that Master Mark Gidden has given the claimant, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, and the Defendant, Raja Miah MBE, until 30th September, 2023 to narrow issues or reach a settlement.

A Master is a judge whom, at first instance in the High Court, deals with all aspects of a claim, from its issue until the trial, where it is then presided over by a High Court judge or a Master.

This claim has been covered exclusively by Neil Wilby Media since Pre-action Protocol commenced in November, 2022 (read more here).

Dr Chauhan is a popular and nationally known health campaigner, with a high media profile. He is also a Labour politician, serving as this year’s Mayor in the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham (read more here). He is represented in these proceedings by leading Manchester-based lawyers, JMW Solicitors.

Raja Miah, an unemployed, Tameside-based conspiracy theorist, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The claim against him revolves around social media posts and broadcasts on the frequently banned  Recusant Nine channels that he operates (read more here). According to court records, accessible via the HMCTS E-filing service, he continues to act as a lay litigant.

Master Gidden’s Order, sealed on 29th June, 2023, concludes:

“By 4pm on 1st October, 2023 the Claimant or Defendant must notify the court in writing of the outcome of negotiations (without disclosing any matters which remain subject to ‘without prejudice’ terms) and what, if any, further directions are sought. Failure to comply with this direction or to engage properly in negotiations may result in the application of sanctions.

“If settlement has been reached, the parties must file a consent order
signed by the parties”.

Raja Miah is no stranger to either the High Court or JMW Solicitors: In a case finally determined in March this year, after protracted proceedings, he was co-defendant, with his long-term friend and political ally, Khazir Rehman, in a defamation and harassment claim brought by another well known Labour politician, ex-Mayor, magistrate and school and college governor, Riaz Ahmad. JMW represented the claimant throughout.

Bradford-born Miah compromised that claim at an early stage with a public apology, removal of offending material and a donation to charity. ‘Kaiser’ Rehman (as he prefers to be known) fought the case to its bitter end and was, ultimately, ordered to pay £197,000 in costs and damages (read more here).

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Page last updated: Thursday 7th September, 2023 at 17h45

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