A pivotal judgment from Mumbai’s sessions court has absolved Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut of defamation against Medha Somaiya, overturning a magistrate’s earlier ruling. The Shiv Sena (UBT) stalwart now stands vindicated in the saga over municipal graft claims.
At heart, Raut’s statements spotlighted a purported Rs 100 crore irregularity in public toilets under Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, referencing legislative scrutiny by Pratap Sarnaik. Somaiya deemed these ‘fabricated insults’ aired via press, prompting her complaint.
Convicted initially with 15 days’ jail and Rs 25,000 fine, Raut’s team mounted a robust defense in higher court. After reserving orders, the bench pronounced acquittal Thursday, citing lack of defamatory intent.
Raut rejoiced: ‘Relief at last. Based on assembly facts—no case for defamation. My party shares the joy.’
This development recalibrates Maharashtra’s opposition-BJP skirmishes. Courts navigating public discourse versus personal harm set precedents. As Raut celebrates, it reaffirms protections for elected voices on governance issues, potentially reshaping allegation strategies in polls.