Congress MP Sukhjinder Randhawa serves defamation notice against Navjot Kaur Sidhu after she accuses him of criminal links, corruption

“…You made false, baseless, and defamatory statements against my client during your media interactions, which were widely broadcasted and reported across electronic media, print media, and social platforms. Specifically, you alleged that my client has indulged in corruption while serving as the In-Charge of Rajasthan for the Indian National Congress Party, including in the distribution of party tickets in exchange for monetary gratification. These statements were made without any evidence or basis and were intended to malign my client’s character and reputation,” the notice says.

It adds that the statements are completely false, fabricated, and motivated by malice, political rivalry, or personal vendetta. “My client has not been engaged in any corrupt practices, including in the allocation of party tickets or acceptance of bribes. My client has always upheld the highest standards of probity and transparency in his public and political roles. Your statements have no foundation in truth and were uttered recklessly, knowing fully well that they would cause irreparable harm to my client’s reputation,” the notice further says.

Stating that Randhawa has suffered severe damage to his personal and professional reputation, mental distress, loss of public confidence, and ridicule in society, the notice says the comments by Navjot Kaur Sidhu were deliberate attempts to defame and injure the MP’s standing.

The notice demands an unconditional public apology, and it must be published prominently in the same media outlets where the original statements were made. The notice also requires Navjot Kaur Sidhu to stop making any further defamatory statements or allegations against Randhawa, in any form or forum.

It adds that failure to do so within seven days would cause Randhawa to initiate criminal defamation proceedings against her under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 222 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), before the competent court of law, including the Court of Judicial Magistrate at Batala, Gurdaspur.