The Delhi High Court on Wednesday was informed by union minister Smriti Irani and Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who have filed defamation cases against each other, that no compromise could be reached between them.
The court earlier referred the matter to mediation, asking them to settle out-of-court a defamation complaint Nirupam had filed against Irani, the union human resource development minister.
Justice Suresh Kaith, after being informed by counsel of the two leaders that the mediation could not be materialised, issued formal notice to Nirupam on Irani's plea against the trial court's order summoning her that she used derogatory language against him during a TV debate.
On August 13, appearing for Irani, advocate Anil Soni told the court that they agree to mediation and Nirupam's counsel also assented.
Nirupam, a former MP, alleged that on December 20, 2012, when the Gujarat assembly poll results were announced, Irani made "defamatory and scurrilous comments" against him during a TV debate.
She too filed a similar complaint against the Congress leader for allegedly defaming her during the same debate aired on a private news channel.
You’ve reached your limit of 10 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app