Delhi Court Grants Final Opportunity To Bansuri Swaraj To Respond In Satyendar Jain’s Defamation Case
A Delhi court on Wednesday granted a "last and final opportunity" to BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj to file her response in a revision petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain, challenging a trial court's dismissal of his criminal defamation complaint against her.
Special Judge Jitendra Singh of Rouse Avenue Court who had earlier issued notice to Swaraj on March 22, directed her to submit her reply by June 3, the next date of hearing.
The order came after counsel appearing for Swaraj sought additional time to file the response.
"Counsel for the respondent seeks some time to file reply to the instant revision petition. Heard. One last and final opportunity is being granted to the respondent to file reply. Let the same be filed on the next date of hearing with advance copy to the opposite party... be listed for reply and arguments on June 3, 2025," the Court said.
The development stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed by Jain, which was dismissed by a trial court on February 20, 2024, for want of cognisance.
In his complaint, Jain alleged that Swaraj made defamatory statements during a televised interview on October 5, 2023, where she allegedly claimed that Rs. 3 crore in cash, 1.8 kilograms of gold, and 133 gold coins were recovered from Jain’s residence.
Jain contended that these remarks, broadcast widely, were false and made with the intent to malign his reputation and gain political mileage.
He further alleged that Swaraj referred to him as “corrupt” and a “fraud,” which he argued amounted to criminal defamation punishable under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.
Case Title: Satyender Kumar Jain v. Bansuri Swaraj & Anr.