Shiv Sena Leader Faces Jail Time Over Defamatory Remarks

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has been convicted in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, was sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined Rs 25,000 by a Mumbai court. The court later suspended the sentence for one month.

Sanjay Raut, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and a Rajya Sabha MP, has been convicted in a defamation case involving statements against Medha Somaiya, the spouse of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Despite his standing, Raut was found to have acted without caution, resulting in both jail time and a monetary fine.

Judicial Magistrate Aarti Kulkarni sentenced Raut under IPC section 500, imposing 15 days of simple imprisonment and a Rs 25,000 fine. The court acknowledged Medha Somaiya's distress due to the baseless allegations made by Raut regarding a scam related to public toilets in Mira Bhayandar.

The court's order emphasized Raut's lack of responsibility as a public figure, highlighting the mental agony suffered by Medha Somaiya. Although his sentence was suspended to allow for an appeal, the conviction remains a severe reminder of accountability in public discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)