Conspiracy against PM is equivalent to treason: Delhi HC
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has ruled that any conspiracy against the prime minister is equivalent to treason.
This statement was made by Justice Jasmeet Singh while hearing a defamation suit filed by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP and senior advocate Pinaki Misra against advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.
Singh emphasized that such grave accusations should not be made carelessly and must be backed by strong and substantial evidence.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Misra filed the defamation suit against Dehadrai after the latter accused him of being in a conspiracy to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the suit, Misra said that he shares a close friendship with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Dehadrai's former partner.
But after personal disputes occurred between Dehadrai and Moitra, the lawyer leveled a barrage of allegations not just against her but also against people with whom she had a personal relationship, Misra claimed.
Legal dispute
Court's declaration came during examination of defamation lawsuit
During the hearing, the court told Dehadrai's counsel that, while it had no objections to his use of freedom of expression, what Dehadrai was saying had serious consequences because it concerned the country's highest office.
It questioned how Dehadrai accused Misra of conspiring against PM Modi.
A conspiracy against the prime minister constitutes treason, and unless Dehadrai can verify such an allegation against Misra, an injunction order would be issued, the court told Dehadrai.
Legal warning
'You are alleging serious allegations of conspiracy against the PM'
"These are very serious allegations against the PM. You can't be trigger happy. I have a problem here. You are alleging serious allegations of conspiracy against the PM by a sitting MP. You explain it or I will enjoin you," the court cautioned Dehadrai.
Aside from seeking damages and an apology, Misra has demanded that the court prevent Dehadrai from publishing defamatory claims and remove such content from different platforms,.