New Delhi | May 30, 2025 

In a legal twist involving high-profile public figures, Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale has agreed to issue a formal apology to former UN diplomat Lakshmi Puri, but has filed an appeal challenging the Delhi High Court’s order directing him to pay ₹50 lakh in damages for defamation.

The development comes nearly a year after the single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ruled in favor of Puri, stating that Gokhale’s social media posts had “clearly damaged” her reputation and were based on “unverified and reckless allegations.” Puri had taken legal action after Gokhale published a series of tweets in 2021, questioning her property transactions and alleging financial irregularities involving a Swiss apartment.

Legal Challenge Filed

Gokhale has now moved a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court seeking to set aside the ₹50 lakh compensation, arguing that the single judge had passed the decree without proper trial or the examination of evidence. The appeal asserts that the tweets in question were within the realm of public scrutiny and constituted fair comment.

In court, Gokhale’s counsel stated:

“My client respects the order to issue an apology, and he is willing to comply. But he reserves the right to question the quantum of damages awarded without a full-fledged trial.”

The Apology: Public and Prominent

As part of the compliance, Gokhale will publish a written apology in a widely circulated English daily and on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. The wording and format of the apology will likely be vetted by the court to ensure full adherence.

Puri’s legal team has agreed to defer any coercive action for the recovery of damages, pending the outcome of the appeal. However, they insist the apology must be published unconditionally and prominently.

Court’s Warning Over Non-Compliance

Earlier this year, the Court issued a stern warning to Gokhale, expressing dissatisfaction over his delay in complying with the original order. The Court had even issued a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation as to why civil detention should not be initiated against him for defying the ruling.

The High Court’s remark at the time was clear:

“Compliance with court orders is not optional. Repeated delays erode the sanctity of the judicial process.”

This case brings into sharp focus the legal boundaries surrounding digital expression, especially in the context of political commentary and public accountability. Gokhale, known for his activism and frequent use of RTI and social media to highlight issues, is now at the center of a growing debate on defamation law versus freedom of speech.

Lakshmi Puri, an accomplished diplomat and former UN Assistant Secretary-General, maintained that the allegations harmed her credibility and were an attack on her personal and professional integrity.

The Division Bench has fixed July 8, 2025, as the next date of hearing. Until then, the apology is expected to be published, and the court will continue hearing arguments on whether the damages imposed were legally sustainable in the absence of a trial.