A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed a criminal defamation complaint filed by Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendra Jain against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Bansuri Swaraj.
The case stemmed from alleged defamatory statements made by Swaraj during a televised interview.
Presiding over the matter, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Mittal refused to take cognizance of the complaint, effectively rejecting it. “Cognizance declined. Dismissed,” the judge ruled. Under Indian law, criminal defamation can lead to a maximum punishment of 2 years in prison.
Jain had accused Swaraj of making false claims against him during a TV interview on October 5, 2023.
He alleged that she falsely stated that authorities had seized Rs.3 crore in cash, 1.8 kilograms of gold, and 133 gold coins from his residence. Jain maintained that these statements were entirely untrue and intended to damage his reputation.
His complaint further asserted that Swaraj deliberately called him “corrupt” and a “fraud” to harm his public image. Jain contended that these remarks were not only defamatory but also politically motivated, aimed at discrediting him and giving an unfair advantage to his political opponents.
Defamation cases involving political figures frequently arise in Indian courts, especially during election seasons or in the wake of high-profile controversies.
The dismissal of Jain’s case highlights the judiciary’s careful scrutiny of such allegations, particularly when they involve statements made in the context of political discourse.
With the court declining to proceed, the matter stands closed for now. However, Jain retains the option of appealing the decision in a higher court if he wishes to challenge the ruling.
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