Mumbai: A special Mumbai court acquitted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday in a defamation suit filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife, Medha Somaiya, over his allegations of her husband's involvement in a Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation "toilet scam."
Medha, an organic chemistry professor, filed the 2022 complaint after Raut's statements—published in news outlets including Saamana—accused Kirit of corruption. A magistrate court convicted Raut on Sep 26, 2024, sentencing him to 15 days but suspending it for a month, citing harm to her reputation despite no direct intent.
Raut appealed to the special MP/MLA court, arguing he was Saamana's executive editor, not legally responsible for content; no proof he wrote or instructed the article; and press duty to report public corruption claims. He cited a town planning officer's letter seeking inquiry into Medha's trust, which she denied knowing during cross-examination.
Medha's lawyers Vivekanand Gupta and Laxman Kanal plan to challenge the acquittal in Bombay High Court. Detailed order awaited.