Controversial Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik has issued a defamation notice to anchor Arnab Goswami and other executives of the Times Now news channel, seeking Rs 500 crore as compensation for damage to his reputation.

The notice, dated July 16, issued by Naik's advocate Mubin Solkar, alleges that Goswami, in his show "The Newshour Debate" telecast on several dates earlier this month, made "false and defamatory statements" against the preacher and, in the process, "tarnished and damaged" his reputation in the eyes of the general public.