Saket Gokhale Hit with Rs 50 Lakh Damages for Defamatory Tweets Against Lakshmi Puri

Delhi High Court Delivers a Powerful Verdict in Favor of Former UN Official

The Delhi High Court has dealt a major blow to journalist Saket Gokhale, ordering him to pay a hefty Rs 50 lakh in damages for his defamatory tweets against former UN official Lakshmi Puri. This landmark ruling, delivered on , underscores the court’s commitment to protecting individuals from baseless online attacks and serves as a powerful reminder of the serious consequences of spreading misinformation.

The Case: A Battle for Reputation and Truth

The dispute originated from a series of tweets posted by Gokhale in 2019, where he accused Puri of financial irregularities while serving as the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). These allegations, unsupported by any credible evidence, sparked a fierce legal battle.

Puri, a renowned diplomat and advocate for gender equality, vehemently denied the accusations and filed a defamation suit against Gokhale. Her legal team presented compelling arguments, highlighting the absence of any proof to substantiate the claims and the devastating impact the tweets had on Puri’s reputation and career.

The Court’s Decision: A Strong Message Against Defamation

In a strong and decisive verdict, the Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Puri, finding Gokhale’s tweets to be “false, malicious, and defamatory.” The court emphasized that Gokhale failed to provide any evidence to support his claims, demonstrating a clear intent to harm Puri’s reputation.

The court’s judgment, which includes the hefty Rs 50 lakh damages, sends a clear message about the seriousness of online defamation and the importance of responsible online behavior. This ruling is likely to have significant repercussions for individuals and organizations that engage in spreading false and defamatory content online.

Beyond the Damages: A Victory for Truth and Accountability

This case transcends the financial implications. It represents a victory for truth, accountability, and the right to a fair reputation. By holding Gokhale responsible for his actions, the court has reaffirmed the importance of responsible journalism and the need for individuals to be held accountable for spreading false information.

The case also highlights the need for robust mechanisms to combat online defamation, particularly in the age of social media where misinformation can spread rapidly and damage reputations irrevocably.

This landmark ruling in favor of Lakshmi Puri serves as a powerful warning: the internet is not a free-for-all for spreading baseless accusations. Individuals must be mindful of the potential consequences of their online actions and strive to ensure that their words are accurate, responsible, and respectful.