Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a press conference during 2024 elections, now facing defamation proceedings over alleged remarks.
DELHI COURT ISSUES NOTICE TO SITHARAMAN
Case in News
Defamation Delhi Court Nirmala Sitharaman Somnath Bharti case arises over remarks during 2024 elections . A Delhi court has issued notice to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a defamation complaint filed by Lipika Mitra, wife of AAP leader Somnath Bharti . The matter relates to comments allegedly made to tarnish Bharti’s public image for political advantage.
Case Overview
Case Name : Lipika Mitra vs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Defamation Complaint (ACJM Paras Dalal, Delhi)
The case stems from remarks made by Nirmala Sitharaman during a press conference in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where she allegedly spoke about the past marital issues of Somnath Bharti and Lipika Mitra . Mitra contends that this was done with malicious intent to damage her husband’s electoral chances . The court under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) deemed it appropriate to issue notice to Sitharaman and allow her to respond before taking cognizance .
Key Aspects
Before delving into legalities, it’s important to highlight the factual backdrop and issues raised :
- Nirmala Sitharaman allegedly made defamatory statements regarding Mitra and Bharti’s past marital discord .
- The couple reconciled in 2019 and have since lived together peacefully .
- The complaint claims that Sitharaman concealed this fact during her press conference .
- Statements were made during the election campaign to affect Somnath Bharti’s political standing .
- The alleged remarks caused reputational harm and emotional distress .
Legal Insights
The complaint brings into focus key legal provisions governing defamation and fair hearing :
- Section 223, BNSS: Mandates hearing the proposed accused before cognizance in such cases .
- Sections 499 & 500 of IPC: Define and penalize defamation both civil and criminal .
- Addresses the intersection of political speech and personal privacy rights .
Court’s Verdict
While no final verdict has been issued, the Delhi Court has taken the first step by issuing notice to Nirmala Sitharaman . She has been asked to appear and respond before the next hearing on 12th June 2025 . This allows the court to decide whether to take cognizance of the defamation complaint filed by Lipika Mitra .
Source – DELHI HC
Read also – Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita,2023
