'Fake': PIB Fact Check dismisses claims on Union Ministers Rijiju, Meghwal's London visit with judges
New Delhi, June 10
The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit on Wednesday dismissed as false various social media claims alleging that Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal were visiting London along with judges and participating in a badminton event there.
Taking to X, PIB Fact Check addressed the viral posts and clarified that the claims being circulated online were incorrect.
"Various social media posts claim that Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal are visiting London with judges and participating in a badminton event," it said, categorically terming the claim fake and clarifying that neither of the two ministers was on a visit to London.
"This claim is fake. Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal are not visiting London," PIB Fact Check stated.
The fact-checking unit further clarified that the photographs being widely circulated on social media were also being misrepresented.
According to PIB Fact Check, the viral images were not taken in London. Instead, they were clicked during the All India Judges' Badminton Championship held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025.
"The viral photos are not from London. These photos were taken during a badminton event held at the Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025," it said.
PIB Fact Check also urged citizens to avoid sharing misleading or unverified information and to rely only on official sources for authentic updates. It encouraged people to report suspicious photos, videos, or messages related to the Central government for verification.
To support its clarification, PIB Fact Check shared an earlier post by Kiren Rijiju dated November 29, 2025.
In the post, the minister had shared photographs from the badminton championship and wrote: "Had a wonderful time participating in the All India Judges' Badminton Championship 2025 at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi. Sharing the court with Hon'ble CJI, Justice Surya Kant ji; Justice Vikram Nath ji; MoS Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal ji and many esteemed judges was both memorable and energising."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, why would judges go to London for a badminton tournament? The All India Judges' Championship has been happening for years in Delhi itself. Some people have too much free time to spread nonsense. The minister's original post from November clearly shows the venue. 🙄
Good that they clarified, but why do such rumours even start? The ministers and judges were simply playing a friendly match here in Delhi. It's sad that innocent events get twisted into political conspiracies. PIB should also take action against those who spread such fake news.
I'm glad they debunked this quickly. It's good that we have an official source to check. Just wish more people would cross-check before forwarding stuff. The original pictures from the Delhi event are clearly not in London - look at the stadium background! 🤦♀️
Respectfully, while PIB does good work, I wish they'd focus more on clarifying genuine policy matters rather than just photos from a badminton event. The judges playing sports with ministers shows a good rapport - no need for conspiracy theories. But also, why do our ministers need to clarify every small thing? Waste of official time.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.