The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed its previous decision in the defamation case filed by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, a former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, against Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale. Gokhale had sought to recall the court's earlier order, which mandated him to issue a public apology and pay ₹50 lakh in damages for defamatory tweets concerning Puri's financial affairs. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav dismissed Gokhale's plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the defamatory statements and the lack of due diligence on his part.
The controversy originated from a series of tweets posted by Gokhale in June 2021, wherein he questioned the legitimacy of Puri's purchase of an apartment in Geneva, Switzerland. He insinuated that the property was acquired using illicit funds and called for an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, tagging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in his posts. Puri contended that these allegations were baseless and malicious, aimed at tarnishing her reputation and that of her husband, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
In its July 2024 judgment, the court found that Puri had provided comprehensive documentation to substantiate the lawful acquisition of the property. The purchase was funded through a combination of a mortgage from UBS Bank and financial assistance from her daughter, with all necessary disclosures made to the Ministry of External Affairs. The court criticized Gokhale for making "roving allegations" without verifying facts or seeking clarification from Puri or relevant authorities.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, in the original ruling, underscored the gravity of defamation, stating that allegations of financial impropriety strike at the core of an individual's integrity, especially for those in public service. The court ordered Gokhale to publish an unconditional apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account, to remain visible for six months, and in a prominent English daily newspaper. Additionally, he was directed to pay ₹50 lakh in damages within eight weeks. The court also imposed a restraining order, preventing Gokhale from making further defamatory statements against Puri.
Despite the court's directives, Gokhale failed to comply, prompting Puri to file a contempt petition in December 2024. The court responded by instructing Gokhale to disclose all his assets, properties, and bank accounts. Subsequently, the court ordered the attachment of his salary to enforce compliance.
In the latest proceedings, the court dismissed Gokhale's application to recall the previous order, citing his continued non-compliance and lack of engagement with the judicial process. The court emphasized that Gokhale's actions demonstrated a disregard for the legal system and the harm caused to Puri's reputation. The judgment serves as a reaffirmation of the importance of responsible communication, particularly on social media platforms, and the legal consequences of disseminating unverified and defamatory information.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.