A Mumbai court postponed the hearing for Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s appeal against his defamation conviction by former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya’s wife, Medha K. Somaiya. The court deferred the proceedings due to the absence of Medha Somaiya’s representation. Raut’s advocate mentioned that they completed some arguments and presented case laws, awaiting the judge’s decision.
In 2024, a Metropolitan Magistrate Court found Raut guilty in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya in 2022, sentencing him to 15 days in jail and a Rs 25,000 fine. Following the conviction, Raut sought suspension of his jail term to file an appeal, which was granted by the court along with bail. Medha Somaiya’s lawyer shared details of the conviction, emphasizing the court’s decision on the defamation case.
Raut faced allegations of a Rs 100-crore toilet construction scam in Mira Road, which led to the defamation suit by Medha Somaiya. She, a professor at Ruia College, accused Raut of making defamatory statements against her and her husband. Raut defended his actions, stating that his inquiries were based on official documents, supported by Mahayuti alliance leaders and Assembly discussions, denying any defamation.
