Defamation suit against SDBA head

8220;This is the first time in history that a member of the bar association has filed a defamation suit against the president, but I had to do so as there was no other alternative,8221; Babu Pathan said on Wednesday evening.

Matters between Desai and Pathan 8212; both practicing advocates here 8212; took a turn for the worse on November 3, when Pathan paid Rs 40 to a court clerk, Seema Waghani, for copies of a document. However, Pathan later approached the court saying that the woman had taken Rs 40 as bribe, after which she was transferred to the Mandvi court.

SDBA president Ajay Desai, however, issued notices to Pathan and another advocate Asif Shaikh stating that they had bribed the clerk by giving the money. He also brought up the issue at the bar council meeting, which according to Pathan damaged his reputation in the SDBA.

SDBA president Ajay Desai was out of town and could not be reached. Pathan has filed the suit in the Third Civil Judicial Magistrate at the district and sessions court here.