The Delhi High Court has refused to recall its order directing TMC MP Saket Gokhale to pay ₹50 lakh in damages to former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri for defamation. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav dismissed Gokhale’s plea to condone a 180-day delay in seeking relief, stating that no valid explanation was provided.
Puri had filed the defamation suit in 2021, alleging that Gokhale made reckless and false allegations about her financial affairs, specifically regarding an apartment she owned in Geneva. In its July 1, 2024 verdict, the court ordered Gokhale to publish an apology and pay ₹50 lakh in damages, while also restraining him from making further defamatory statements against Puri on social media or electronic platforms.
The court’s decision comes after Puri moved for execution of the decree, leading to the attachment of a portion of Gokhale’s salary until the damages are paid.
