Defamation Dispute Ends: Dehadrai Withdraws Lawsuit Against Mahua Moitra

Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai withdrew his defamation suit against former TMC MP Mahua Moitra in the Delhi High Court on Thursday. Dehadrai had accused Moitra of making defamatory remarks against him, including labeling him as "jobless" and "jilted," in media interviews. However, during the hearing, Dehadrai expressed his willingness to withdraw the suit unconditionally, stating, "I would then like to withdraw this suit. I would like to withdraw unconditionally," which the court permitted.

The defamation suit, seeking ₹2 crores in damages, also targeted media organizations, Twitter, and Google, requesting orders to remove any defamatory content against Dehadrai. Allegations were made that Moitra had accepted bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for posing questions in Parliament. Moitra, in turn, filed a defamation suit against Dehadrai and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. However, the high court previously rejected Moitra's plea for an interim injunction, citing that the allegations against her were not entirely false.

During the hearing, Dehadrai's counsel suggested withdrawing the suit if Moitra agreed not to make false statements against him. Responding to this, Moitra's counsel said he would obtain instructions on the matter. Meanwhile, the court expressed a positive view towards resolving the dispute outside the public domain. Justice Jalan stated, "If it is possible to take this dispute out of the public domain and play it before the statutory authorities or privately, then that seems..."

The court had previously cautioned Moitra against making palpably false statements about Dehadrai or calling him a "lunatic." Despite no injunction against Dehadrai, the court emphasized that continuous allegations against Moitra could warrant her right to defend herself.

Summons were issued last month, not only to Moitra but also to several media houses and social media platforms, as part of Dehadrai's defamation suit. The case stemmed from allegations regarding a supposed "serious breach of national security" and "instances of corruption" involving a public servant. However, Moitra portrayed Dehadrai as a "revengeful ex-partner" seeking to settle scores over a past relationship.

In response to Dehadrai's withdrawal of the suit, Moitra's counsel stated that there could be no settlement between the two parties. The court suggested that both counsels work on an agreed wording for the withdrawal order.
​