Defamation – Assam CM Files Rs 500 Crore Case Against Congress Leaders
Defamation – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has initiated a defamation lawsuit seeking Rs 500 crore in damages against three senior Congress leaders, escalating a political confrontation that began over claims related to his land holdings. The legal action was filed on Tuesday following allegations that Sarma described as baseless and damaging to his reputation.
Legal Action Follows Allegations
The case has been filed against Congress leaders Jitendra Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, and Gaurav Gogoi. According to the Chief Minister, the leaders made “false and malicious” statements during a press conference concerning the extent of land allegedly owned by him and his family members in Assam.
In a public statement issued shortly after filing the suit, Sarma said the legal move was intended to challenge what he termed defamatory remarks made without supporting evidence. He stated that the allegations had harmed his public image and warranted a strong response through the courts.
Claims Over Land Holdings Spark Dispute
The controversy began last week when Gaurav Gogoi, who serves as the president of the Assam Congress unit, alleged that an internal party inquiry had uncovered significant land holdings linked to the Chief Minister and his relatives. Gogoi claimed that nearly 12,000 bighas of land across the state were under their occupation.
The assertion quickly drew attention in political circles, prompting reactions from both ruling and opposition parties. The Congress leaders maintained that their statements were based on findings from a party-led review. However, no detailed documentation was publicly presented at the time of the press conference.
Chief Minister Denies Accusations
Responding within hours of the allegations, Sarma rejected the claims outright and described them as an attempt to mislead the public. He announced his intention to pursue legal remedies, emphasizing that accusations of this nature must be backed by credible proof.
On Tuesday, he confirmed that the defamation suit had been formally filed. The complaint seeks financial compensation amounting to Rs 500 crore, reflecting what Sarma said was the seriousness of the reputational damage caused.
The Chief Minister reiterated that public figures must be accountable for their statements, particularly when addressing issues involving personal integrity and public office. He stated that the matter would now be addressed through the judicial process.
Political Reactions and Wider Context
The dispute unfolds amid ongoing political rivalry between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress in Assam. Allegations concerning land ownership and asset declarations have often been sensitive subjects in state politics, with parties frequently questioning each other’s transparency.
While the Congress has yet to issue a detailed response to the defamation suit, the development is expected to intensify political debate in the coming days. Legal experts note that defamation cases involving high-profile political leaders typically require substantial evidence and can take considerable time to resolve.
Observers say the case could have broader implications for political discourse in the state, particularly regarding the standards of proof expected in public allegations.
What Happens Next
With the lawsuit now before the court, the matter will proceed through legal channels. The defendants are likely to respond formally once they receive official notice of the complaint.
As the situation develops, attention will remain on both the legal proceedings and the political fallout. For now, the issue has shifted from a press conference claim to a courtroom battle, marking a significant turn in the ongoing exchange between the Assam government and the state’s opposition leadership.