Shatrughan Sinha discharged in defamation case

Shatrughan Sinha discharged in defamation case
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

Nashik Nov 22: Film star and MP Shatrughan Sinha was today discharged from a defamation case filed against him by Rajabhau Rathi for hurting the sentiments of the Marwari community.

The case had been filed by Rathi, accusing Sinha of defaming Marwaris in an interview published by êIStardustêR magazine in its June 1989 issue. Sinha had reportedly said that Marwaris were selfish and always thought of their personal profits. He had also reportedly said that Marwaris were "fence-sitters" and hence were not patriots.

Several cases were filed against Sinha in different courts. Sinha had moved the High Court, which had directed him to appear before the Nashik court. Sinha had appeared in the Nashik court on August 29, 1991 and was released on a personal bond of Rs 3,000. However, according to Sinha's lawyer, Dilwarkhan Pathan, the complainants remained absent during the dates of hearing all these years. On November 2, 2000 Pathan pleaded at the court of chief judicial magistrate, Nashik, S V Deshpande, that the complainant had filed the case only to get publicity. He pointed out that despite Sinha appearing in the court again on February 13, 1997, the complainant did not pursue the case against Sinha or the co-accused, Nishi Prem (editor of Stardust). The magistrate then rejected the case and discharged Sinha from the charges.