Delhi HC Summons TMC Leader Mahua Moitra In Defamation Suit By Jai Anant Dehadrai

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Synopsis

The Bench of Justice Prateek Jalan extended the summons to five prominent media outlets, including CNN News 18, India Today, Gulf News, The Telegraph, and The Guardian, alongside social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Google LLC.

The Delhi High Court summoned Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in response to a defamation suit brought forth by lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. Allegedly, Moitra disseminated defamatory remarks regarding Dehadrai through various media channels, both traditional and digital. 

Dehadrai, represented by Advocate Raghav Awasthi, sought damages amounting to Rs. 2 crore and requested an injunction against Moitra to prevent further dissemination of defamatory content online.

Advocate Awasthi emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing a decline in Dehadrai's legal practice, although immediate relief was not pursued. The Court directed that Dehadrai's suit be consolidated with Moitra's ongoing litigation before another bench. Advocate Awasthi asserted that Dehadrai's grievances against Moitra stemmed from concerns related to national security and corruption, whereas Moitra portrayed him as a vindictive former partner.

Moitra had previously faced expulsion from her Lok Sabha seat amidst allegations of involvement in the "cash for query" scandal. In a separate defamation case, the Court declined interim relief to Moitra against allegations by Dehadrai and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who accused her of accepting bribes.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for April 08, 2024. 

Case Title: Jai Anant Dehadrai v Mahua Moitra & Ors