Gautam Gambhir Takes Legal Action By Filing A Defamation Case Against Punjab Kesari

Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer and Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken legal action by filing a defamation case against Punjab Kesari, a Hindi newspaper. In his lawsuit, Gambhir alleges that the newspaper, along with its editor Aditya Chopra and correspondents Amit Kumar and Imran Khan, misused their journalistic freedom by consistently publishing malicious and defamatory articles targeting him. Gambhir seeks damages amounting to ₹2 crores.

According to Gambhir's advocate, Jai Anant Dehadrai, the lawsuit presents a collection of reports that demonstrate how the newspaper distorted facts in its articles. One particular report even went as far as comparing Gambhir to the mythological demon Bhasmasur, as mentioned in the court documents.

The lawsuit includes references to several reports, such as: "Sansad Gautam Gambhir Lapata Gali-Gali Me Lage Poster" (MP Gautam Gambhir goes missing, posters appear in streets); "Adesh Gupta bolte reh gaye, Gautam Gambhir uth chale" (Adesh Gupta kept talking, Gautam Gambhir walked away); "Dilli ke lapata Sansad Lucknow Super Giants ke liye bane Bhasmasur" (Delhi's missing MP becomes Bhasmasur for Lucknow Super Giants); "Ye Naye Mijaz ke Sansad hai Jara Faaslo se Mila Karo" (This is an MP with a new temperament, please keep your distance while meeting him).

Gambhir has raised an argument stating that these reports present a false and highly defamatory narrative, which unjustly questions his work and integrity as a parliamentarian, influencing the perception of readers.

The reports unjustly portray him as a person with casteist beliefs and an arrogant politician.

Gambhir sought damages amounting to ₹2 crores to be awarded to charitable organizations. Additionally, he has requested that the defendants issue an unconditional apology, which should be published in all newspapers (including digital versions) circulated by Punjab Kesari. Furthermore, he has requested that the court instruct the newspaper to retract every defamatory publication made against him.