Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma files defamation suit against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has filed a defamation suit against Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia in connection with the allegations made by Sisodia against Sarma at a press conference last month [Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma vs Manish Sisodia].

The complaint before the Kamrup (Rural) Chief Judicial Magistrate has been filed under Sections 499, 500 (defamation) and 501 (printing or engraving defamatory material) of the Indian Penal Code.

Sisodia in a press briefing on June 4 had alleged malpractices in tenders issued for procuring Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Assam. He had stated that Sarma, who was then the Health Minister, had awarded the contract to his wife's company at an overvalued price.

On the basis of RTI replies reported in an investigative piece by digital news portal The Wire, it was claimed that proper process was not followed and firms close to the CM benefitted.

Sarma in his official capacity and his wife denied any wrongdoing in the matter, with the latter already having filed a defamation suit against Sisodia earlier.

Sarma will be represented by Senior Advocate Devajit Saikia.