Rajani Associates Represents Rajiv Mehta in Criminal Defamation Proceedings Before Punjab and Haryana High Court
Rajani Associates represented Rajiv Mehta, Permanent Trustee for Life of the Lilavati Kirtilal Medical Trust, before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in proceedings arising from a criminal defamation complaint filed by former IPS officer Parambir Singh.
The complaint related to statements allegedly made during a televised interview concerning the administration of Lilavati Hospital and the Trust. The complainant alleged that the interview and subsequent digital publications were defamatory.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the summoning order issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jhajjar, and quashed the underlying proceedings pending before the Magistrate Court.
In its judgment, the Court observed that mere accessibility of online or televised content is insufficient to invoke criminal jurisdiction unless a substantial part of the cause of action arises within the concerned territory. The Court further emphasized the requirement of a real and substantial nexus between the alleged offence and the territorial jurisdiction of the Court.
Rajani Associates acted for Rajiv Mehta in the matter, including drafting the writ petition and assisting counsel before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Rajani Associates team advising on the matter comprised Devesh Juvekar, Senior Partner; Dikshat Mehra, Partner; Mithlesh Chalke, Senior Associate; and Honey Chandnani, Associate.
