Defamation suit against Indian Express Editor – HC gives another opportunity to file a reply to the respondent
Himachal Pradesh High Court today adjourned the hearing on Indian Express Editor Rajkamal Jaha’s appeal to quash the notice of defamation suit filed against him by a member of Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission in the Shimla court.
The single judge bench of Justice Virender Singh passed this order while hearing the appeal in Himachal Pradesh High Court today.
A one-page order passed by Justice Singh stated that respondent Rachna Gupta did not file a reply in the matter. She was ordered to file the same on or before the next date of hearing. The court fixed the next date of hearing on October 20, 2023, in the matter.
Indian Express Editor Rajkamal Jaha was represented by local counsel in the matter. The court also said that the interim order of stay of the notice against the appellant shall be continued.
It is worthwhile to mention that Mr. Jaha prayed the court to quash the notice against him which was issued by the Judicial magistrate court Shimla against him on the defamation suit filed by the commission member.
The applicant challenged the notice in the Himachal Pradesh High Court stating that he was not involved in the matter at all and action against him by the respondent was unjustified.
Before this hearing court also gave a number of opportunities to the respondent to file a reply in the matter.
