Delhi Court summons Dhruv Rathee in defamation case filed by BJP leader
Delhi: A Delhi court has issued summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, after Rathee allegedly referred to him as a “violent and abusive” troll in a YouTube video.
District Judge Gunjan Gupta of the Saket Court passed the order on July 19.
The court also issued a notice to Rathee on Nakhua's plea for interim relief, scheduling the next hearing for August 6.
Advocates Raghav Awasthi and Mukesh Sharma appeared for Nakhua.
The defamation case revolves around a video titled “My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee,” which Rathee uploaded on his YouTube channel on July 7, 2024. In the video, Rathee allegedly referred to Nakhua, the spokesperson for the Mumbai unit of the BJP, as part of “violent and abusive trolls.” Nakhua claims these allegations are baseless and have tarnished his reputation.
The suit argues, "That the Defendant No.1 [Dhruv Rathee], in a highly provocative and incendiary video that spread like wildfire across digital platforms, made bold and unsubstantiated claims against the Plaintiff. The insidious intent behind this video lies in its unfounded insinuation that the Plaintiff is somehow linked to violent and abusive troll activities.”
Nakhua stated that Rathee’s allegations have led to widespread condemnation and ridicule against him. The suit further contends, "Through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video, that is the Plaintiff, seeks not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society. This has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences. The repercussions of such false allegations are manifold, extending well beyond the realm of the video itself to irrevocably impact both the personal and professional domains of the Plaintiff, leaving scars that may never fully heal."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
ALSO READ: IndiGo board ropes in external aviation expert for flight disruption probe
Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
