Breaking: Sanjay Raut scores a courtroom triumph as Mumbai sessions court acquits the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP in the contentious defamation suit by Medha Somaiya. The ruling flips a prior conviction, freeing Raut from a 15-day jail stint over explosive corruption charges.
Flashback to the controversy—Raut publicly blasted Somaiya over an alleged Rs 100 crore scam in Mira-Bhayandar civic body’s toilet projects. Drawing from assembly debates and Sarnaik’s complaint, Raut insisted his critique was issue-based. Somaiya fired back, labeling it a vicious lie to malign her family.
Magistrate’s guilty call led to brief incarceration orders and a Rs 25,000 penalty, stayed pending appeal. Thursday’s sessions hearing culminated in total exoneration after probing arguments.
‘Court proved my innocence. Party and I are thrilled,’ beamed Raut, reflecting on the legal marathon.
Observers see this as a checkpoint on defamation weaponization in politics. Maharashtra’s volatile alliances make such battles routine, but Raut’s clearance energizes his faction ahead of key elections. Will this embolden bolder accusations? Stay tuned as political ripples spread.