Delhi HC Gives Last Chance To TMC’s Saket Gokhale To Revert On Contempt Plea

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted TMC leader Saket Gokhale a final chance to respond to a contempt petition filed by former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri.

Justice Dharmesh Sharma allowed Gokhale an additional 2 weeks to file his reply, with the next hearing scheduled for April 18. The court also warned that if Gokhale failed to comply, he could be summoned to appear before the court.

Puri had approached the High Court in 2021, alleging that Gokhale had damaged her reputation by making false and reckless allegations about her financial affairs, particularly concerning an apartment she owned in Geneva. On July 1, 2024, the court issued an order restraining Gokhale from posting any further content about the case on social media or electronic platforms.

Gokhale’s lawyer informed the court that an application had been filed to recall the July 1, 2024, order, which would be heard on March 6.

In her contempt plea, Puri accused Gokhale of deliberately ignoring the court’s previous order, continuing to defy its instructions.

She pointed out that Gokhale had posted tweets making defamatory remarks not only about her but also about the court’s judgment. Puri’s counsel requested that Gokhale be ordered to apologize before the March 6 hearing.

Case Insights

The case stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Puri, who is also the former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. She claimed that Gokhale’s “roving allegations” about her financial integrity were actually intended to target BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri. The court described Gokhale’s actions as “extremely irresponsible,” given that he published the allegations without proper verification.

In its July 2024 order, the High Court had also directed Gokhale to pay Puri Rs 50 lakh in damages within eight weeks and issue a public apology on his social media account for six months. Puri, in her contempt plea, sought Rs 5 crore in damages, which she requested be deposited into the PMCARES Fund. She also demanded that Gokhale’s defamatory tweets be removed.

This case underscores the growing importance of social media in defamation disputes and the court’s increasing role in holding individuals accountable for online content.

The upcoming hearing on April 18 will determine whether Gokhale complies with the court’s orders or faces further legal action.