Background
Former cricketer and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir filed a defamation lawsuit against the Hindi newspaper Punjab Kesari, its editor Aditya Chopra, and correspondents Amit Kumar and Imran Khan, alleging that they abused their journalistic freedom by publishing several malicious and libellous articles deliberately targeting him. He is requesting damages of Rs. 2 crores in the case.
Gambhir claimed in his lawsuit that the newspaper gave its stories a false spin by citing a number of reports, which was submitted through attorney Jai Anant Dehadrai. It was alleged that one of the reports even went as far as to equate him to the fabled demon Bhasmasur. Several of the reports cited in the lawsuit include:
- After MP Gautam Gambhir vanishes, street signs are put up
- Delhi’s missing MP currently plays for the Lucknow Super Giants as Bhasmasur.
- Gautam Gambhir left while Adesh Gupta carried on speaking.
- Please keep your distance when meeting this MP because he represents a new mentality.
Defamatory statement
Gambhir contended that these reports provide readers with an inaccurate and severely defamatory impression of his work and credentials as a legislator. It was noted that the reports show him as a casteist and an arrogant politician.
The pattern of these defamatory publications, he continued, is evidence of a deliberate attempt by the Defendants to harm the reputation. The lack of effort made by the Defendants to verify the accuracy of their publication further demonstrates their enmity towards Plaintiff.
Gambhir has requested that 2 crores in damages be donated to charitable causes. Additionally, he asked that the defendants submit an unqualified apology and have it published in all newspapers, including the digital editions distributed by Punjab Kesari. He further argued that the paper should be given instructions to retract all of its negative articles on him.
Defamatory suit
Tomorrow is a hearing for the lawsuit before Justice Chandra Dhari Singh.