Shimla, May 28,
Amidst a politically charged atmosphere with ongoing Lok Sabha and bye-elections, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu faces his third defamation notice. On Tuesday, a single bench of Justice Jyotsana Rewal Dua issued a notice to the Chief Minister in response to a defamation suit filed by BJP candidate from Barsar, Inderdutt Lakhanpal, and Independent MLA K.L. Thakur.
The defamation suit, lodged on May 27, 2024, in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, stems from allegations made by Lakhanpal and Thakur. Representing the petitioners, counsel Sudhir Thakur stated that the court has scheduled the matter for a reply by June 18, 2024. The notice requires Chief Minister Sukhu to take necessary steps within three days of its issuance.
Also read: BJP candidate and an independent MLA file defamation suit against Chief Minister
This suit marks the third such case against the Chief Minister, following similar suits by other political figures. In addition to Lakhanpal and Thakur, earlier suits were filed by disqualified Congress MLAs Sudhir Sharma, Devinder Bhuto, and Independent MLA Hoshiyar Singh. These individuals assert that Sukhu referred to them as “sold MLAs” during a political meeting, a statement they claim has severely damaged their public image. Each suit seeks damages amounting to Rs 1.05 crore.
The recent suit by Lakhanpal and Thakur has been clubbed with the earlier cases, and all are set to be heard by Judge Jyotsna Rewal Dua. Senior counsel Sudhir Thakur represents Sharma, Lakhanpal, and Thakur, while Advocate Anshul Attri represents Bhuto and Singh.
The plaintiffs in these cases have also requested a permanent prohibitory injunction against the Chief Minister to prevent further dissemination of the alleged defamatory remarks. Filed under Order 39 Rules 1 & 2 read with Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the application seeks to restrain Sukhu from making or repeating such statements on any public or social media platform.
Also read: Hearing on defamation case on CM Sukhu deferred
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court did not issue any immediate injunction. The matter is scheduled for a hearing after the Lok Sabha elections, reflecting the heightened political tensions in the state. The legal battles come at a sensitive time for Devinder Bhuto, who is navigating a bye-election campaign amidst these allegations.
The Chief Minister’s office has yet to respond publicly to these notices. As the cases progress, they will be closely monitored for their potential impact on the reputations and electoral prospects of the involved politicians.
The current wave of defamation suits against Chief Minister Sukhu highlights the contentious political climate in Himachal Pradesh. The outcomes of these suits could have significant implications for the political careers of the plaintiffs and the broader political dynamics in the state.
Earlier, the matter was before Justice Satyan Vaidya but is now listed for a hearing in July. The developments in these cases underscore the intense political rivalry and the high stakes involved as the state navigates through a critical election period.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
