Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, a former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, filed a defamation case against Saket Gokhale in 2021. She accused him of making false and reckless allegations about her financial affairs, particularly regarding an apartment she owned in Geneva.
New Delhi, Feb 28 – The Delhi High Court has given Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saket Gokhale a final opportunity to respond to a contempt petition filed by former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri.
Justice Dharmesh Sharma granted two more weeks for Gokhale to submit his reply and scheduled the next hearing for April 18. The court warned that if he failed to respond, he might be required to appear in person.
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, a former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, filed a defamation case against Saket Gokhale in 2021. She accused him of making false and reckless allegations about her financial affairs, particularly regarding an apartment she owned in Geneva. She alleged that these statements damaged her reputation.
PREVIOUS HEARING:
On July 1, 2024, the Delhi High Court restrained Gokhale from posting anything further on social media or other electronic platforms regarding the matter.
In her contempt plea, Puri claimed that Saket Gokhale had deliberately ignored the court’s July 1 order. She said he continued to make defamatory statements, not just against her but also against the court.
Her lawyer argued:
- Gokhale was aware of the court’s order, yet he still posted tweets containing defamatory claims.
- Gokhale’s actions showed he was “playing with the court and defying judicial orders.”
- He should be made to tender an apology before March 6.
Saket Gokhale’s lawyer informed the court that he had already filed an application requesting the recall of the July 1, 2024 order. The court will hear this application on March 6.
ALSO READ: Rs 50 Lakh & Apology: Why Delhi HC Orders TMC MP Saket Gokhale in Defamation Case?
The Delhi High Court had earlier ruled that Gokhale’s allegations were aimed at BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri, calling them “roving allegations” with no proper verification.
The court noted that:
- It was “extremely irresponsible“ for Gokhale to post such “derogatory content“ without proof.
- Gokhale should pay Rs 50 lakh in damages to Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri within eight weeks.
- He must issue an apology, which should remain pinned on his ‘X’ handle (formerly Twitter) for six months from the date of publishing.
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri has also sought Rs 5 crore in damages, to be donated to the PMCARES fund. Additionally, she has requested the court to direct the removal of Gokhale’s tweets.
With the Delhi High Court granting two more weeks to Saket Gokhale, all eyes will be on the next hearing scheduled for April 18.
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