MP CM's son files defamation case against Rahul

Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers.

Gandhi, meanwhile, said he mentioned the name of Chouhan's son in the context of Panama Papers due to "confusion".

Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jhabua district of the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Monday, had said that the name of the son of 'mamaji', a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him.

Though Gandhi had not specifically identified the CM, he was referring to Chouhan who is popularly known as 'mamaji'.

The defamation suit was filed by Kartikey Chouhan in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava.

In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him.

The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years.

The court posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey Chouhan's statement will be recorded.

"The statement of Rahul is intended to defame Chouhan and his family. When they (the Congress) failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister, they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was the clear intention. It was a well-planned statement," his counsel Shrivastava said.

On Monday night, Kartikey Chouhan had said in a tweet, "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner. If he (Gandhi) did not apologise within 48 hours, I am compelled to take strict legal action against him."