Delhi HC orders TMC MP Saket Gokhale to issue public apology to ex-diplomat within two weeks

The Delhi High Court has ordered Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale to issue a public apology to former diplomat Lakshmi Puri within two weeks in a defamation case filed by her.

In July 2024, the High Court ruled that Gokhale made “incorrect, false and untrue” allegations about Puri, including claims that she had purchased property in Switzerland with disproportionate assets.

Puri had sued Gokhale, alleging that his social media posts were “defamatory, malicious and based on false information”.

In its verdict, the court had ordered Gokhale to apologise in a leading English daily and on his X handle. He was also directed to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages.

Gokhale subsequently sought to recall the July 2024 order, arguing that it was issued ex parte, or in his absence, after his counsel stopped appearing.

Meanwhile, Puri approached the High Court to demand that the order be enforced. She also filed a contempt of court case against Gokhale for not complying with the order.

In response, Gokhale's lawyer proposed submitting an apology in a sealed cover until his plea challenging the High Court’s order was decided. However, Justice Anish Dayal on May 9 dismissed the request and ordered Gokhale to issue a public apology in two weeks.

The High Court order was made public on Thursday.

“The respondent [Gokhale] has simply tarried, lingered and procrastinated,...

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