Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut Sentenced to 15 Days in Defamation Case Filed by BJP Leader’s Wife

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined ₹25,000 after being convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya’s wife, Medha Somaiya. The case relates to Raut's allegations of a ₹100 crore scam involving the Somaiyas in public toilet maintenance.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15 days imprisonment by a metropolitan magistrate court in Mazgaon, Mumbai, in a defamation case filed by Medha Kirit Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The court found Raut guilty under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to punishment for defamation, and imposed a fine of ₹25,000.

The defamation case stems from allegations made by Raut, who claimed that Kirit Somaiya and his wife were involved in a ₹100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets. These allegations were denied by the Somaiyas, who subsequently filed a defamation suit against Raut, seeking legal redress for what they termed as baseless and damaging accusations.

The conviction marks a significant legal setback for Raut, who has been vocal against BJP leaders, often engaging in heated exchanges in the public domain. Raut's comments and accusations have frequently stirred controversy, leading to this legal battle that has now resulted in a guilty verdict.

Medha Somaiya expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating that justice had been served. Meanwhile, Raut’s legal team is expected to appeal the ruling, arguing that his statements were made in the public interest and that the judgment is politically motivated.

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This conviction highlights the ongoing rivalry between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP leaders in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with frequent legal confrontations adding to the tensions between the parties.