Sanjay Raut Sentenced to 15 Days for Defamation Over False Allegations Against Medha Somaiya
Image Source: ABP News
September 26, 2024: A defamation charge was filed by Medha Somaiya, a professor and wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, against Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. Somaiya accused Raut of making baseless and defamatory allegations that linked her and her NGO, Yuva Pratishthan, to a Rs 100 crore toilet scam. Raut’s claims, made in April 2022, were spread widely through both electronic and print media, as well as on social media platforms.
On Thursday, Raut was convicted under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with defamation. The court sentenced him to 15 days of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000.
Medha Somaiya’s complaint, represented by advocate Vivekanand Gupta, emphasized that Raut’s statements were “malicious, unwarranted, and mischievous,” tarnishing both her and her husband’s reputations. She stated that Raut is the Executive Editor of the Marathi newspaper ‘SAMNA’ and was also the chief spokesperson of the political party Shiv Sena. She pursued legal action seeking consequences for what she described as false public accusations.
Defamation under Section 500 IPC entails making any false statement that can harm the reputation of a person, and the law holds individuals accountable for such actions. Sanjay Raut is appealing the ruling in the Mumbai Sessions Court, as announced by his brother and lawyer, Sunil Raut, potentially hoping to overturn the conviction or lessen the penalty.
Team Profile
- Freelance Journalist
- Mingma Lamu Bhutia is a student currently in her third semester of a Master's program in English at Kharagpur College. With a bachelor's degree in English, she has honed her communication skills, enabling her to engage effectively with individuals at all levels. Mingma is a highly motivated and adaptable individual who excels at working independently.
Latest entries
Crime22 October 2024Armed Attack on Infrastructure Workers’ Camp Near Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
English19 October 2024Escalation in Israel-Hamas Conflict: Drone Attack on Netanyahu’s Residence and Rising Regional Tensions
English19 October 2024India-Canada Relations Strain Over Allegations of Transnational Repression
English17 October 2024US Indictment of Former RAW Officer Highlights Escalating Diplomatic Tensions Between India, Canada, and the US
