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Synopsis

The former Indian Foreign Service officer, Lakshmi Puri, declined an offer made by Trinamool Congress leader (TMC) and Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale to amicably settle a defamation suit pending before the Delhi High Court. 

Gokhale had expressed his willingness to apologise and pay ₹50 lakh as damages, as directed in an earlier court order. However, Puri refused the proposal, with her legal counsel arguing that the defamatory statements made by Gokhale had no factual basis and amounted to abuse.

In July 2024, the single judge bench had awarded Rs. 50 lakhs in damages to Puri, while acknowledging that no amount of monetary compensation can fully restore Puri's reputation.The court also restrained him from making further statements on social media or electronic platforms concerning his allegations against Puri.

The court equated the impact of social media posts to an uncontrollable nuclear reaction. It emphasized that the “pernicious and anarchic nature” of social media, particularly Twitter, which tends to spread content, including misinformation, widely and indiscriminately, ensured that the offending tweets would circulate extensively.

During the latest proceedings, Gokhale’s counsel requested the court to recall the damages order, citing financial constraints. He further submitted that Gokhale had initially been represented by an advocate who later withdrew, and that his client had not received electronic communication regarding the proceedings.

The court heard submissions from both sides and reserved its decision on Gokhale’s plea to recall the July 2024 order, along with an application seeking condonation of a delay exceeding 180 days in filing the plea. However, Puri’s counsel opposed the request, stating that Gokhale had remained aware of the court’s proceedings and had been following them virtually.

Case Title: Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri v Saket Gokhale
[Inputs: The Hindu]