Somaiya’s complaint alleged that Raut made unfounded and entirely defamatory accusations against her and her husband, claiming they were involved in a Rs 100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.
Mumbai: A court in Mumbai convicted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday(26th Sept) in a defamation case brought by Medha Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.
Metropolitan Magistrate 25th Court in Mazgaon sentenced Raut to 15 days in jail and imposed a fine.
Somaiya’s complaint alleged that Raut made unfounded and entirely defamatory accusations against her and her husband, claiming they were involved in a Rs100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.
“The statements made by the accused to the media are inherently defamatory. These remarks were intended to tarnish my reputation in the eyes of the public,”
the complaint asserted.
According to section 499 of IPC, whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter expected, to defame that person.
Section 499 also cites exceptions. These include “imputation of truth” which is required for the “public good” and thus has to be published, on the public conduct of government officials, the conduct of any person touching any public question and merits of the public performance.
