Karanjawala files Swatanter Rs 5 cr defamation | SC tasks PP Rao & Fali as amicus

Wednesday, 15 January 2014 By Legally India Bar, Bench & Litigation

Former Supreme Court Justice Swatanter Kumar, who is the second former apex court judge standing accused of sexual harassment, filed a Rs 5 crore defamation claim in the Delhi high court against two English language TV channels and a national daily, reported the PTI.

Justice GS Sistani presided in the high court.

Karanjawala & Co managing partner Raian Karanjawala is representing Kumar, according to Mail Today, with senior lawyers Maninder Singh and NK Kaul having appeared in court this morning.

Karanjawala was also the law firm instructed in the defence of former Tehelka chief Tarun Tejpal, who remains jailed in Goa pending the rape trial.

The former intern, who accused Kumar of having sexually harassed her in 2011, petitioned the Supreme Court earlier this week, assisted by senior lawyers Indira Jaising, Harish Salve and Vrinda Grover, asking the apex court to inquire into the allegation. A total of eight lawyers were listed as appearing for the petitioner – X – in the order made by the court.

The Chief Justice of India today tasked senior counsel KK Venugopal PP Rao and Fali Nariman as amicus curiae to investigate whether the Supreme Court has the power to look into allegations made against former judges, according to the PTI.

Update: Earlier press reports and sources in the court said KK Venugopal and Fali Nariman were selected as amicus by the CJI. However, the order which has been published on the court’s website states that senior counsel PP Rao and Fali Nariman will be amicus. [Download the order]

Swatanter Kumardefamationfreedom of press

Comments

Advocate Kushagra Pandey 15 Jan 2014, 14:07
+1 -0
It may be noted that along with Mr. Fali S Nariman (Senir Counsel), the Hon'ble Supreme Court has appointed Mr. PP Rao (Senior Counsel)as Amicus Curiae in the matter, not Mr. KK Venugopal. Kindly check the order of Hon'ble Supreme Court in W.P. (Crl.) No. 15 of 2014 dated 15.01.2014
Rajendra S Desai advocate 16 Jan 2014, 00:56
+2 -2
With this defamation suit all interns who have been molested and who exhibit guts to publicly declare so will be shut up for ever. How Nice. no more false allegation even if the Supreme Court Committee finds their own man guilty
Rajendra S Desai advocate 16 Jan 2014, 01:02
+2 -0
Why does the Supreme Court need advice on its powers whether they can enquire etc. the Goverment has power to enquire against retired Government employees and stop their pensions. This legal position is well known. What is the sense of wasting courts time and hearing top lawyers for such a simple case.
Anon 17 Jan 2014, 04:19
+0 -0
A five crore suit has been filed against the intern and four other persons. What is the NUJS faculty going to do? This is more serious than the allegations purportedly stated by Retd. Justice Ganguly that there was a conspiracy against him which led NUJS faculty members to issue a statement supporting the harassed intern.
By the way 17 Jan 2014, 06:03
+0 -0
Is court fees payable on a defamation claim before the Delhi High Court? If so, did the Hon'ble Justice pay the court fees?
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