Delhi HC warns TMC MP Saket Gokhale of jail for failing to apologise to ex-diplomat
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale asking why he should not be sent to jail for failing to issue a public apology to former diplomat Lakshmi Puri in compliance with the court’s orders, Live Law reported.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said that Gokhale, by failing to follow the order, was mocking court proceedings.
The court has granted Gokhale a week to respond to the show cause notice, and said the matter will be heard next on September 3.
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...
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