Sanjay Raut Vows to Appeal Defamation Conviction Amid Political Backdrop

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut was sentenced to 15 days’ imprisonment in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife. Raut plans to appeal, claiming political motives behind the conviction and alleging judicial bias influenced by the RSS. The court has granted him bail.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut finds himself at the center of a political storm following his conviction in a defamation case. Raut claims he is being made a scapegoat due to Maharashtra's upcoming assembly elections and has vowed to challenge the judgment in a higher court.

The Rajya Sabha member was sentenced to 15 days' simple imprisonment by a Mumbai court on Thursday. The defamation complaint was filed by Medha Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The court later suspended the sentence for 30 days and granted bail to Raut.

Speaking to reporters, Raut questioned how justice could be served in a system influenced by political figures, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Chief Justice of India's residence. Raut reiterated that his comments on the alleged Rs 100-crore scam involving the Somaiyas were based on records and demanded a probe into the matter. Convicted under IPC Section 500, Raut has also been fined Rs 25,000.

(With inputs from agencies.)