SIDDA SENDS DEFAMATION NOTICE TO PM
Apologise for defamatory statements linking to graft or face `100 cr damage suit, Sidda tells opponents
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notices to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for accusing him of graft.
Bengaluru, May 7: Stung by a volley of barbs against him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged corruption, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notices to them warning he would file criminal and civil defamation cases. Taking his running battle against Mr Modi to a new level, Mr Siddaramaiah also sent a notice to the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa, whom the Congress has repeatedly accused of corruption. In his notices sent through his lawyer and Congress MLC, V.S. Ugrappa, Mr Siddaramaiah said all the parties had jointly and severally committed libel and offences punishable under various IPC sections. “You are called upon to cease and desist from making such statements forthwith and give an unconditional public apology immediately through electronic, print and social media in which the statements and advertisements have appeared,” Mr Ugrappa said in the notice released to the media. “In the event you fail to do so, please note that you have rendered yourself liable to civil and criminal action and payment of exemplary damages of Rs 100 crore,” it said.
Ugrappa said his client (Siddaramaiah), whose political career spanned 50 years, has always maintained personal and political integrity and honesty. “Any imputation of irregular dealings and dishonesty not only affects my client’s reputation in the eyes of the public and his peers but also adversely affects his party viz the Indian National Congress,” the notice said. It said false and defamatory statements had been made against Siddaramaiah “intentionally and maliciously.” The Prime Minister has repeatedly attacked Mr Siddaramaiah over alleged corruption, calling his government “seedha rupaiya sarkar” (government that takes bribe for every work) and “10 per cent commission government.”
Mr Ugrappa said the advertisements published by the BJP in various newspapers and aired by news channels besides displayed on LED screens and shared in social media were false and defamatory. He cited instances of the “objectionable” content in advertisements.