In a major legal victory for Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, a Mumbai sessions court has acquitted him in a high-profile defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The decision overturns a lower court’s conviction, marking a significant relief for Raut who had been sentenced to 15 days in jail earlier.
The case stemmed from Raut’s public statements accusing Medha Somaiya of involvement in a Rs 100 crore scam related to public toilet construction in the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation area. Raut had highlighted discussions in the state assembly on the alleged irregularities, pointing to complaints raised by local MLA Pratap Sarnaik. He maintained that his comments were based on public records and legislative debates, not personal attacks.
Medha Somaiya countered that Raut’s remarks were baseless, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing her reputation through media channels. The magistrate court initially sided with her, convicting Raut and imposing a fine of Rs 25,000 alongside the short jail term. However, the sessions court, after reviewing appeals and arguments from both sides, reserved its judgment before delivering the acquittal on Thursday.
Expressing elation post-verdict, Raut stated, ‘I’m relieved today. The lower court had given me 15 days, but this was discussed in the assembly. No defamation here.’ He credited his legal team and celebrated the ruling as a vindication for him and his party.
This acquittal comes amid ongoing political rivalries between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP factions in Maharashtra. Legal experts note it underscores the importance of contextual evidence in defamation suits involving public figures. As celebrations ensue within Raut’s camp, the verdict may influence future political discourse on corruption allegations.