Smriti sues Nirupam for defamation

While discussing the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections on a TV channel, Nirupam mocked the Bharatiya Janata Party MP as a former dancer who had entered politics only some years ago.

Metropolitan Magistrate Jay Thareja took cognisance of the criminal defamation complaint filed by Irani, a Rajya Sabha member, against Nirupam for allegedly using "derogatory and indecent language".

The court said: "The case is listed for order on taking cognisance of the offences alleged in the complaint. In view of the law laid down... The cognisance of the offence under section 499 (defamation) and 503 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC is taken."

"A prima facie opinion regarding summoning of respondent (Nirupam) qua the said sections shall only be made after examination-on-oath of the complainant," it said.

The judge also asked Irani, who was present in the court, to record her statement and asked the media persons present there to vacate the courtroom.

The recording of Irani's statement in the court went on for about 45 minutes in which she reportedly gave details of the alleged derogatory remarks made by Nirupam against her.

The court then posted the matter for Feb 7 for recording the statements of other witnesses from the list Irani submitted.