26 september 2024 : A metropolitan magistrate court in Mumbai’s Mazgaon convicted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday, sentencing him to 15 days in prison for defamation in a case brought by Medha Kirit Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, according to news agency PTI.
The court found Raut guilty under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to defamation, and imposed a fine of ₹25,000.
The defamation case stemmed from allegations that Raut made “baseless and defamatory” statements against Medha and her husband, which she claimed were intended to damage her reputation. In response to the ruling, Raut expressed disbelief, stating, “I respect courts but can’t believe they passed such an order. How can we expect justice in a country where the PM visits the Chief Justice of India’s house for Ganesh festival and eats modak?”
The controversy revolves around Raut’s claims that the Somaiyas were involved in a ‘scam’ concerning the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. These allegations were published in an article in the Shiv Sena’s official Marathi newspaper, Saamna.
Medha Somaiya alleged that the article falsely accused her of constructing unauthorized toilets by damaging mangroves and lacking the necessary environmental permissions. The piece also claimed she was involved in a ₹100 crore scam, referencing a report submitted to the state government by Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal.
During the trial, Medha presented newspaper articles and other evidence to support her claim that Raut’s statements were meant to tarnish her image in the public eye.