Fri, 20 September 2024 03:18:37am
Related Tags: Delhi court defamation case, Ex-husband defamation damages, Marital disputes legal precedent, Judge Sunil Beniwal ruling, Saket District Court judgment
Delhi Court Orders Woman to Pay ₹15 Lakh to Ex-Husband for Defamation
Delhi Court Orders Woman to Pay ₹15 Lakh to Ex-Husband for Defamation
In a verdict, a Delhi court has ordered a woman to pay ₹15 lakh to her ex-husband for defamation, setting a significant precedent in the realm of marital disputes and personal defamation. The judgment, delivered by Judge Sunil Beniwal of the Saket District Court, found that the woman’s actions had caused considerable harm to her ex-husband’s reputation and professional life.
A Shocking Turn of Events: The case revolves around a man who alleged that his ex-wife engaged in a sustained campaign of defamation against him, which not only tarnished his reputation but also stymied his professional growth. The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in how defamation within personal relationships is adjudicated.
The Case Details: The couple, married in 2001, experienced a tumultuous relationship that culminated in the wife leaving the matrimonial home in 2009 with their minor daughter. The husband claimed that from that point onward, the wife engaged in filing frivolous and false litigations, leveling defamatory allegations against him and his family members across various courts and authorities.
Key Judicial Findings: Judge Beniwal’s judgment was based on substantial evidence, including emails and chat records that were presented by the plaintiff and remained uncontested by the defendant. The court concluded that the ex-wife’s actions amounted to defamation by way of libel.
Noteworthy Aspects of the Case:
- Defamatory Emails: The husband produced emails sent by his ex-wife to his elderly and ill maternal uncle, who was also his employer, as evidence of defamation.
- Professional and Personal Harm: The husband argued that the continuous harassment led to severe stress, necessitating a major surgery in March 2022, costing him ₹6 lakh.
- Court’s Observations: The court observed inconsistencies in the wife’s statements regarding her email usage, which further weakened her defense.
Court’s Verdict: The court found the suit to be within the period of limitation, dismissing the wife’s claim that it was time-barred. Consequently, the court ordered her to pay ₹15 lakh in damages to her ex-husband, along with an interest rate of 9% from the date of institution of the suit until the date of payment.
Key Points:
- A Delhi court ordered a woman to pay ₹15 lakh to her ex-husband for defamation.
- The judgment found that the wife’s actions had significantly harmed the husband’s reputation and professional life.
- The evidence included emails and chat records that remained uncontested.
- The court dismissed the wife’s claim that the suit was time-barred.
- This landmark ruling sets a precedent for handling defamation in personal relationships.
