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Synopsis

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has filed a defamation lawsuit in the Bombay High Court seeking Rs. 100 crore in damages from Lokshahi news channel, Leader of the Opposition of Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, Ambadas Dave, and YouTuber Anil Thatte.

A single judge bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice SM Modak today issued notice and has kept the matter after 4 weeks for hearing ad interim relief. 

Kirit Somaiya has alleged that the news channel conducted a prime-time show featuring an objectionable video of him. 

He also claimed that Youtuber Anil Thatte uploaded the same video, which has damaged his reputation.

Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint with the cyber cell, leading to the registration of an FIR. Following its mention during the monsoon session in Parliament, the crime branch was instructed to conduct an inquiry.

Additionally, Somaiya claimed that Leader of Opposition Ambadas Dave from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction discussed the objectionable video during a press conference, further damaging his image.

During today's hearing, Somaiya's counsel Hrishkesh Mundargi sought ad interim relief, emphasizing that his image was being tarnished. He submitted that given his status as a politician with a family ad interim relief should be granted 

"The defendants (Lokshahi channel and Danve) gave scandalous opinions. Somaiya is a married man with children. He has a political standing in society. He has in society. He has unearthed several scams of certain political leaders, following which these alleged videos have surfaced," Mundargi said.

It was also submitted that during the prime time show it was being said that there were 30 other objectionable videos of Somaiya. 

However, the bench sought a reply from the defendants and kept the matter after 4 weeks.