Defamation row: Resolve dispute amicably: HC advises Gokhale, Puri

The Delhi High Court on Thursday advised Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale and former Assistant Secretary-General to the United Nations, Lakshmi Puri, to amicably resolve their long-standing defamation dispute, observing that the judiciary is already overburdened with cases.

A division Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar noted that both individuals were public figures and suggested they meet to settle the matter out of court. The Bench observed that since Gokhale had already extended an apology and Puri had accepted it, the two sides should attempt to reach a resolution.

“You both hold respectable positions in public life. If it is possible, meet and resolve the issue amicably. Do keep in mind the pressure courts are already facing,” the Bench remarked.

Counsels of both the parties informed the court that they would consult their respective clients regarding the court’s suggestion for a mutual settlement.

The defamation row stems from a series of tweets made by Gokhale in 2021, wherein he alleged regarding a property in Switzerland purportedly owned by Puri and her husband, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Lakshmi Puri had contended that the tweets were not only false but also damaging to her reputation.