Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15-day jail by Metropolitan Magistrate’s 25th Court on Thursday. He has been convicted in a defamation case filed by a BJP leader’s wife.
What Is The Case?
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya’s wife Medha Somaiya had filed defamation suit against UBT leader Sanjay Raut at Sewri Metro Politan Magistrate Court on May 18, 2022. UBT MP Sanjay Raut had alleged that the couple was involved in Rs 100 crore scam by misusing funds for building toilets in Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation. Medha had called the allegations by Raut as baseless and defamatory.
Back in 2022, Kirit Somaiya had posted on X, “Prof Dr Medha Kirit Somaiya will file Criminal Defamation Suit/Complaint at Sewri Court Mumbai on 18 May against Shivsena Sanjay Raut for harrasment and defamation (IPC 499, 500) in the name of ₹100 Crore Toilet Scam. Defamation Notice was given, Complaint was filled earlier.”
What Did Medha Say?
Medha in her complaint had said that she came across a news article published by Saamana newspaper where she was accused of toilet scam. The claims were attributed to UBT MP Sanjay Raut. The story was picked by several newspapers and it spoiled her reputation.
She said that Raut tried to tarnish her reputation by making false and baseless claims without any proof. The plea said that all this was done to create false impression in the mind of general public. Raut had accused her family members and the organization also.
The plea added, "Concocted only to indulge in some sensationalism, without any regard for truth and with a view to tarnish her image and to make wrongful gains. Medha is a doctorate and carries a high reputation in society and in her profession. The defamatory materials have hurt her tremendously by lowering her standing in society and in the eyes of the general public, well-wishers, etc.”
Medha had requested that Raut should be "be ordered and decreed to pay" to Medha “or to deposit the sum of Rs 100,00,000 or such other sum as the court may deem fit, just and proper as and by way of damages with the chief minister's relief fund or with as the court may deem fit.”
Who Is Medha Somaiya?
Medha Somaiya is a Professor and a social worker. She is the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. She is affiliated with Tata Institute of Social Science, Jan Sikshan Sanstha, Raigad, and Yuvak Prathishan (NGO). She participates and contributes to more than 25 charitable activities.
Also Read: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut Gets 15-Day Jail In Defamation Case By BJP Leader’s Wife