Court Convicts Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in Defamation Case

A Mumbai court sentenced Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut to 15 days imprisonment for defaming Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The sentence was suspended for 30 days, and Raut was granted bail. Raut had accused the Somaiyas of involvement in a Rs 100-crore scam.

In a significant legal development, a Mumbai court on Thursday found Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut guilty of defamation, sentencing him to 15 days of simple imprisonment. The defamation complaint was filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.

The court, however, suspended the sentence for 30 days, providing Raut temporary relief as he was granted bail upon application. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Aarti Kulkarni handed down the verdict under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to punishment for defamation.

Aside from the imprisonment, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Raut. The case traces back to allegations made by Raut against the Somaiyas, accusing them of corruption in a Rs 100-crore scam involving public toilets' construction and maintenance under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. Medha Somaiya's complaint asserts that Raut's statements to the media were defamatory, intended to tarnish their public image.

(With inputs from agencies.)