The Delhi High Court has sought a response from Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, a former diplomat and assistant secretary general at the UN, in a plea filed by Trinamool Congress’s Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale. Gokhale is seeking condonation of delay in filing a recall application, which is a bid to revisit a July 2024 order that directed him to apologize to Puri and pay Rs 50 lakh in damages.
The original case revolved around a defamation lawsuit filed by Puri, who alleged that Gokhale’s public statements about her financial affairs, specifically regarding an apartment she owns in Geneva, had damaged her reputation. The court had ordered Gokhale to post an apology on his social media handle, which was to be retained for six months, and also publish it in a leading English daily for four weeks. Additionally, he was required to pay the damages within eight weeks.
Gokhale’s counsel has argued that the original order was issued without a hearing, and as such, he is seeking a recall of the decision. He has also requested condonation of over 180 days of delay in filing the recall application. If the court grants his plea, it could potentially set aside the earlier order and provide an opportunity for Gokhale to present his defense in the defamation case.
Puri, a prominent figure in Indian diplomatic circles, has already suffered a significant blow to her reputation, and Gokhale’s actions have sparked a heated legal battle. The case highlights the importance of protecting one’s reputation and the high stakes involved in defamation cases. As the Indian judiciary navigates the intersection of free speech and reputation, this case will be closely watched by legal observers and the public alike.
In this high-stakes legal drama, Gokhale’s unexpected move has turned the tables, and the Delhi High Court’s recent intervention has injected new life into the case. The controversy is likely to continue to roil the political landscape, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down. As the legal battle unfolds, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have significant implications for all parties involved.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/defamation-case-delhi-high-court-seeks-ex-diplomats-reply-to-gokhale-plea-9873003/
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Publish Date: 2025-03-07 03:21:00
