Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma files criminal defamation case against Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma over alleged defamatory remarks made during March and April rallies, with the matter now scheduled for court hearing on April 30.
In a political and legal development in Tripura, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma has filed a criminal defamation case against party colleague-turned-rebel MLA Ranjit Debbarma. The case, lodged on Monday, stems from alleged defamatory statements made by the MLA during two public rallies held on March 30 and April 9.
According to legal counsel representing the minister, the remarks made by Debbarma in these public gatherings severely harmed the reputation and dignity of the senior leader. Advocate Sankar Lodh, who is handling the case on behalf of Debbarma, provided details of the allegations and the legal grounds for the complaint.
Lodh stated that during his speeches, the MLA used derogatory language targeting the minister’s physical appearance, referring to him as a “bald-headed minister.” He further alleged that Debbarma accused the minister of accumulating significant wealth and purchasing two residential flats recently. Additionally, claims were made suggesting that the minister was involved in property negotiations with dealers based in Delhi.
The advocate emphasized that the allegations extended beyond financial impropriety to personal character attacks. According to Lodh, Debbarma publicly alleged that the minister misused a government forest bungalow for personal activities, including alcohol consumption and hosting companions during his stays. These claims, made in open rallies, were described as baseless and damaging.
“The statements were made in a public forum, directly impacting the reputation and public image of the minister. Such allegations, without substantiated evidence, warranted immediate legal action,” Lodh said.
The criminal defamation case has been filed in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, West Tripura. Legal proceedings are set to begin soon, with the matter scheduled for hearing on April 30. The case is expected to draw considerable attention, given the political implications within the ruling party and the involvement of a rebel legislator from the Tipra Motha.
This legal confrontation highlights rising internal tensions within the party, as public disagreements escalate into courtroom battles. Political observers believe the outcome of the case could have broader implications for party unity and public perception ahead of future electoral contests.
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As the hearing date approaches, all eyes will be on the judiciary to determine whether the statements in question constitute criminal defamation under Indian law. Both leaders have yet to make detailed public statements following the filing of the case, but the issue is already generating significant debate across political circles in the state.
