Dhar slaps Rs 100 Cr legal notice to Pala for BJP-RSS spokesperson remark

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2024

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday slapped a legal notice to opposition Congress chief and former Shillong MP Vincent H Pala demanding him to tender an unconditional apology and to pay Rs 100 crore compensation for criminal as well as civil defaming him.

The legal notice was against Pala’s recent statement accusing Dhar of being the “spokesperson” of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) because he is under CBI scanner.

Sharan and Associates LLP Advocates and Solicitors in the notice to Pala said, “While our client acknowledges that public office often invites criticism, the dissemination of falsehoods and allegations of illegality is a clear attempt to damage his public standing and reputation. The statements made during the press conference are designed to sensationally malign our client’s public life and image for your own selfish interests.”

“We are, therefore, writing to demand that you; a. write a letter containing a suitable withdrawal and apology in terms to be approved by us on our client’s behalf and publish it in all leading newspapers; b. provide an undertaking in writing that you will not repeat the publication of these or similar allegations concerning our client; and c. pay damages amounting to Rs. 100 Crore (Rupees One Hundred Crores) for the defamation of our client. d. indemnify our client in respect of the costs to which he has been put in the matter.”

“Consequently, you are hereby directed to retract the statements made during the press conference and to issue an irrevocable public apology to our client, acknowledging that the statements made are false and unfounded. You are also required to provide a written unqualified apology along with an undertaking not to repeat these or similar allegations within seven days from the date of receipt of this Legal Notice via WhatsApp/e-mail/speed post, whichever is earliest. Furthermore, you must instruct social media platforms and websites to remove any electronic versions of the press conference that have been published online. Additionally, you are to cease and desist from making any similar statements that may further harm our client’s reputation in society,” the notice said.

It also warned, “Please be advised that failure to comply with the terms outlined in this notice within seven days will be taken very seriously, and our client will be compelled to initiate appropriate legal proceedings in civil courts, including a defamation suit, as well as criminal complaints for offenses punishable under Sections 351 and 356 of the BNS, 2023. Any legal actions taken will be at your own risk, including costs and consequences.”