Delhi Court Orders Woman to Pay ₹15 Lakh to Ex-Husband for Defamation

Background and Legal Proceedings

In a significant legal ruling, Judge Sunil Beniwal of the Saket District Court in Delhi found a woman guilty of defaming her ex-husband and ordered her to pay ₹15 lakh in damages. The court concluded that her actions had caused considerable harm to her ex-husband, adversely affecting his professional growth and personal life. The judgment, delivered on July 29, 2024, was based on the examination of evidence, including emails and chats, which were presented by the plaintiff and supported by electronic evidence affidavits.

Marriage and Initial Allegations

The couple married in 2001, but the relationship deteriorated, leading the wife to leave the matrimonial home in 2009, taking their minor daughter with her. Following this, the husband alleged that his wife began filing frivolous and defamatory litigations against him and his family. He also claimed she used abusive language in communications with her friends via email, further tarnishing his reputation. This continuous harassment, according to the husband, not only isolated him from his daughter but also impacted his mental and physical health, culminating in a major surgery in March 2022, costing ₹6 lakh.

Divorce and Continued Defamation

Despite their marriage being dissolved in 2021 on grounds of cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act, the husband asserted that his ex-wife continued her defamatory actions. She allegedly sent derogatory emails to his aged and ill maternal uncle, who was also his employer, thereby impacting his professional standing and causing additional distress.

Court’s Analysis and Findings

The court found the woman’s defense inconsistent and contradictory. During cross-examination, she claimed to have used only one email ID, but evidence presented showed she had used another email ID in an income affidavit filed in a domestic violence case in 2017. The court observed that these contradictions undermined her credibility and supported the husband's claims.

Legal Implications and Order

The court rejected the wife’s argument that the suit was barred by limitation, noting that the defamatory emails were sent as recently as 2020, and the suit was filed within the permissible period. Consequently, the court held her liable for defamation and ordered her to pay ₹15 lakh in damages, along with an interest of 9% from the date of the suit’s institution until the payment date. This decision emphasizes the legal consequences of defamatory actions and underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting individuals from malicious harassment.

Representation and Advocacy

Advocate Minakshi Agarwal represented the husband, while Advocate Fauzi Sayeed defended the wife. The case highlights the crucial role of legal representation in navigating complex defamation claims and the importance of presenting coherent and consistent evidence in court.

Conclusion

The ruling serves as a reminder of the gravity of defamation and its impact on individuals’ lives. It reinforces the principle that defamatory actions, especially those propagated through digital communications, can have severe legal repercussions. The judgment also underscores the necessity for consistency and honesty in legal defenses, as contradictory statements can significantly weaken a case. This landmark decision will likely influence future defamation cases, particularly those involving personal relationships and digital communications.