The Delhi High Court on Thursday encouraged former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale to explore the possibility of settling their ongoing defamation dispute, citing the increasing burden on courts.
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar made the suggestion after noting that Gokhale had already tendered an apology, which Puri had accepted.
“You’re in public life, respected public figures. If both parties can sit together and try to resolve the dispute… please take into consideration that courts are already overflooded,” the bench observed, urging both sides to consider a meeting for amicable resolution.
The court was hearing Gokhale’s appeal against the July 1, 2024, order by a single-judge bench that restrained him from posting any further content against Puri on social media or other online platforms. The order also directed Gokhale to issue an apology and pay ₹50 lakh in damages to Puri.
On Thursday, the bench also took note of the attachment of Gokhale’s property in relation to the damages ordered. “Attachment to continue,” the court remarked, making it clear that the enforcement of the previous order would remain in place pending further developments.
Senior advocates Maninder Singh, representing Puri, and Amit Sibal, appearing for Gokhale, told the court they would consult their respective clients and consider the court’s suggestion for settlement.
