'Political remarks not enough for Defamation case': Delhi Court dismisses plea against Nirmala Sitharaman

On Wednesday, in a setback to a politically charged defamation claim, a Delhi court dismissed a criminal complaint filed by Lipika Mitra, wife of AAP leader Somnath Bharti, against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Court found no sufficient ground to proceed, effectively closing the case at the threshold stage, signalling judicial restraint in entertaining defamation claims rooted in electoral rhetoric.

The complaint stemmed from statements allegedly made by Sitharaman during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, where she referred to past matrimonial discord between Mitra and Bharti. Mitra contended that the remarks were selectively presented to damage Bharti’s public image while omitting the fact that the couple had reconciled years earlier. Arguing that the statements were politically motivated and intended to influence voters, she sought criminal action for defamation. On the other hand, the defence resisted the complaint, questioning its maintainability and the existence of any actionable defamatory imputation warranting criminal prosecution.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal, presiding at Rouse Avenue Courts, declined to take the matter forward, holding that there was no justification to initiate criminal proceedings. In a brief but decisive order, the court stated, “The complaint stands dismissed.” While detailed reasoning is awaited, the outcome reflects a threshold scrutiny approach, ensuring that criminal defamation is not invoked in the absence of clear and actionable harm.

The complaint was accordingly dismissed without issuance of further process. 

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