Mumbai: MP Sanjay Raut Sentenced to 15 Days Imprisonment in Defamation Case Filed by Medha Somaiya

Mumbai, 26th September 2024: On Thursday, a magistrate’s court found MP Sanjay Raut guilty and sentenced him to 15 days of simple imprisonment in a defamation case brought forward by Medha Kirit Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. According to Medha’s lawyer, Vivekanand Gupta, a fine of Rs 25,000 is to be recovered from Raut as compensation.

In her complaint, Medha stated that Raut, as the Executive Editor of Marathi newspaper ‘SAMNA’ and spokesperson of the Shiv Sena political party, made malicious and unfounded remarks about her on April 15, 2022. These comments were published and widely circulated in both electronic and print media. Medha alleged that Raut’s defamatory statements were aired on prominent media channels and shared on social platforms, damaging her reputation within the public sphere, as well as among her family and friends.

During the court proceedings, Medha’s lawyer presented video clips and newspaper articles containing Raut’s statements. Medha also highlighted her long-standing career as a professor of Organic Chemistry at Ramnarian Ruia College, Matunga, and her involvement in over 25 charitable activities. She emphasized her esteemed reputation, particularly after receiving a Doctorate in Slum Development.

In June 2022, the court issued a summons to Raut, with metropolitan magistrate PI Mokashi stating that the complainant had provided enough evidence to prove that Raut’s statements harmed her reputation. The court ruled that Raut’s comments, made on April 15 and 16, 2022, were defamatory and intended for public consumption.

Raut later filed an appeal, leading to the suspension of his sentence for 30 days, during which he was also granted bail. He is expected to challenge the conviction in the sessions court.