New Delhi: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee did not appear before the Saket Court, which had summoned him in connection with a defamation case filed by BJP leader Suresh Nakhua. Rathee’s counsel informed the court that they needed additional time to file a reply to Nakhua’s plea. The court subsequently scheduled the next hearing for August 16.
Advocate Raghav Awasthi, representing Nakhua, told The New Indian that Rathee’s counsel had raised several objections regarding their affidavit, but the court did not accept their arguments. “Later, they sought time to file a reply to our pleas regarding Rathee’s posts and YouTube videos. The court has now set August 16 as the next date,” said Mr. Awasthi.
The defamation case arises from Rathee’s alleged remarks in which he described Nakhua as a “violent and abusive” online troll. The court’s summons requires Rathee to respond to these allegations and defend his statements.
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Speaking with The New Indian, Nakhua claimed that Rathee falsely labeled him a violent and abusive troll in his video. “I have taken the legal course and filed a case for defamation and permanent injunction. The allegations by Dhruva Rathee have damaged my reputation, and this is the legal recourse as suggested by my lawyers,” Nakhua stated.
Advocates Raghav Awasthi, Mukesh Sharma, and Chandni Shah appeared for Nakhua, arguing that the court should issue a summons against Rathee. The court order, issued by Judge Gunjan Gupta of DJ-04/South-East, Saket Courts, stated:
“Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes, i.e., PF & RC/Speed Post/Approved Courier, including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed. Plaintiff is directed to file an affidavit regarding the genuineness, authenticity, and working of the WhatsApp number and email ID of defendants for service through electronic mode.”
The case will continue on August 16, when Dhruva Rathee is expected to respond to the allegations made by Suresh Nakhua.