BJD MP Pinaki Misra Moves Delhi HC Against Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai For Defamation By “Canning Lane”, “Odia Babu” Remarks

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Synopsis

The suit additionally seeks to prevent Dehadrai from making more defamatory comments, while also demanding the deletion of such content from platforms like X and news agencies PTI and ANI, which are also named as defendants in the case

In a recent development, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member of Parliament, Pinaki Misra, has approached the Delhi High Court taking legal action against advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai for defamation following allegations of corruption and derogatory remarks levelled against him.

According to the suit, Dehadrai began a campaign of defamatory tweets in November 2023, referring to Misra through pseudonyms such as "Canning Lane" and "Odia Babu," alleging his involvement in criminal activities. Furthermore, Dehadrai's claims included accusations of Misra's receipt of ₹2 crore for purchasing high-value items on behalf of Moitra, which Misra contends were for personal use and purchased prior to the alleged transaction.

Dehadrai informed of this development from his X account (formerly Twitter). “Mr. Pinaki Misra has filed a Defamation suit against me in the Delhi High Court - seeking an injunction to permanently silence me. I welcome it, but I shall not stop fighting the good fight. Satyameva Jayate,” Dehadrai mentioned in his post.

Misra, representing Odisha's Puri constituency, initiated legal proceedings seeking both an apology and damages from Dehadrai. The suit further aims to restrain Dehadrai from making further defamatory remarks, alongside requests for the removal of such content from various platforms, including X and news agencies like PTI and ANI. The said news agencies have also been roped in as defendants in the suit.

The lawsuit highlights Misra's association with Dehadrai through common friends and social circles, notably with Dehadrai's former partner and Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra. Following Moitra and Dehadrai's separation, Dehadrai allegedly made accusations of bribery and corruption against both Moitra and Misra.

The lawsuit also mentions the creation of a pseudonymous account on social media platforms by Dehadrai, where he continued to propagate defamatory statements against Misra, confirming the association of pseudonyms with the plaintiff.

It's noteworthy that earlier, Mahua Moitra had also sued Dehadrai for defamation, though the High Court had denied interim relief to her in the suit.

Additionally, Dehadrai has filed a defamation case against Moitra, which is currently under consideration of the High Court.

 

Cause Title: Pinaki Misra v Jai Anant Dehadrai & Others