Meghalaya Files Defamation Suit Against TMC’s Saket Gokhale Over Corruption Allegations

[ad_1]

Following allegations that a state-owned company misappropriated funds worth more than Rs 630 crore, the Meghalaya government has filed a libel suit against Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale, officials said. state government on Saturday, December 10. Meghalaya and Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL), which filed a complaint described as “deliberate, derogatory and malicious”.

Notably, in posting a presser, Gokhale on December 4 alleged that MAL had embezzled more than Rs 630 crore in the state. Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL) has filed a criminal defamation suit against Gokhale, the planning department said in a statement.

“A mere attempt to seek clarification from the Meghalayan Age Limited would have shown that the allegations are baseless (and) completely without merit,” the statement read. Additionally, the state government is also considering bringing a civil defamation suit against the affected individual.

MAL files a complaint and seeks remedies

Demanding legal action against Gokhales, MAL said: “The Meghalayan Age Limited filed the complaint and sought relief in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya under Section 200 read with the section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, seeking prosecution of the accused Mr. Saket Gokhale for the offense of criminal defamation under section 499, punishable under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code 1860, for making false and defamatory statements in the print/electronic media,” the statement read.

The remarks made by Gokhale also amounted to public mischief, according to the petition. The statement further states that Gokhale was a repeat offender and has “a history of making false and baseless allegations” against public figures and government officials, adding: “MAL, a state government-owned company incorporated under the Department of Planning, was incorporated under the relevant laws with the mandate to implement externally assisted projects, promote tourism and preserve the heritage of Meghalaya,” the statement read. The person has “little respect” for the legal process, according to the statement.

Delhi CH Observations

Citing the strong remarks of the Delhi High Court in 2021 against Gokhale, on his defamatory statements against officials, the statement said: “Gokhale should have carried out preliminary due diligence and sought clarification from the person against whom the allegations were made. done “. add the statement.

[ad_2]