The Delhi High Court on Monday said TMC leader Mahua Moitra cannot be barred from defending herself against allegations made by a former friend in the public domain as long as her statements are not objectively false.
This oral observation came during a plea filed by lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai seeking an interim injunction to prevent the expelled Lok Sabha MP from making “defamatory” remarks against him.
Dehadrai has filed a lawsuit against Mahua Moitra, seeking damages of Rs 2 crore for allegedly making defamatory statements against him in connection with the cash-for-query controversy. Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8 following accusations by the plaintiff that she received bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament.
The NDTV quoted Justice Prateek Jalan as saying, “If you put the allegations in the public domain, she has every right to defend herself. Except that she cannot make any objectively false statements.”
The judge further said, “If both the parties say we don’t wish to have this battle in public domain, then it is one thing. (But) If you are going to make a public comment, then she has to have the space to defend herself.”
The court urged the counsel of Mahua Moitra to exercise discretion in the matter, considering there have been no recent statements made. The judge also questioned the plaintiff’s lawyer about a statement given to the media after the last hearing.
The lawsuit, filed through lawyer Mukesh Sharma, alleges that Ms. Moitra’s statements have damaged the plaintiff’s reputation, portraying him as a bitter individual seeking revenge due to a failed personal relationship. The court had issued summons on the lawsuit on March 20 and has scheduled further hearings for April 25.
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