Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, was sentenced to 15 days in jail in a defamation case. A fine of ₹25,000 has also been imposed on him.
The case was filed by Dr. Medha Kirit Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, in 2022. He accused Mr. Raut of making defamatory allegations on the Somaiyas of their involvement in a ₹100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction. Dr. Somaiya claims that the allegations have damaged her and her husband’s reputation.
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Sanjay Raut Seeks Bail
Following the verdict, Mr. Raut’s attorney promptly submitted two petitions: one aimed at suspending the sentence and the other seeking bail. The court approved Raut’s bail with a bond set at ₹15,000 and suspended his sentence for a period of 30 days, thereby providing him the chance to appeal the ruling in a higher court.
Background of the Defamation Case
In her complaint, Dr. Somaiya submitted video clips and newspaper articles as evidence of Mr. Raut’s public statements. Her lawyer further argued that the allegations were damaging to her and her husband’s reputation.
The case further complicates the ongoing political tensions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP, with high-profile leaders from both parties frequently engaged in legal battles.
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