The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday declined to take cognizance of a defamation complaint filed by BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, against BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Mittal dismissed the defamation case, refusing to proceed with it.
Background Of The Complaint
Earlier, on February 24, 2025, the court had issued a notice to MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma, directing him to present pre-summoning evidence. The defamation complaint was filed by Raju Bista following allegations made by Sharma during a press conference on April 24, 2024, in Darjeeling. Sharma had accused Bista of being involved in the Jal Jeevan Mission scam.
Bista’s Allegations Against Sharma
Raju Bista, represented by advocates Akhilesh Singh Rawat, Riya Puniyani, Rohni Rana, and Arun Sharma, claimed that Sharma’s statement was false and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The complaint further argued that the accusations, made by a fellow BJP leader, were politically motivated, coming just before the elections. Bista contended that the timing and nature of the allegations were meant to damage his public image intentionally.
Court’s Decision
The Rouse Avenue Court, after considering the case, reserved its order on the defamation complaint on March 17, 2025.
Ultimately, the court decided to dismiss the case, and the defamation complaint against BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma was not entertained.
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