The Delhi High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Saket Gokhale, warning him of civil detention for his “wilful and deliberate” non-compliance with its orders in a defamation case filed by former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri.
Justice Manmeet PS Arora expressed strong disapproval over Gokhale’s failure to publish an apology as directed by a coordinate bench of the court, remarking that it appeared the MP was “mocking at the court and its thought process.” The judge orally observed, “According to me, he has to go to jail,” and further put Gokhale on notice to explain why he should not be committed to civil detention.
Background of the Case
In its judgment dated July 1, 2024, the Delhi High Court had found Gokhale guilty of defaming Puri by making false and reckless allegations about her financial dealings related to a property in Geneva. The court directed Gokhale to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages, restrain from making further defamatory remarks, and issue a public apology both on his X (formerly Twitter) handle and in a prominent daily newspaper.
However, due to Gokhale’s non-compliance, Puri filed a contempt petition. On May 9, 2025, a coordinate bench granted him a final two-week period to publish the apology. That deadline expired on May 23, with no action from Gokhale’s side.
Court’s Observations and Actions
On being informed of Gokhale’s continued defiance, Justice Arora noted, “It almost appears to this court that the judgment debtor is mocking at the court and its thought process.” The court cited provisions under Order 21 of the Civil Procedure Code and issued a show cause notice to Gokhale, asking him to respond within a week on why civil detention should not be imposed.
Civil detention, though distinct from criminal imprisonment, involves confinement in jail and is often used to compel compliance with court orders.
Salary Attachment Proceedings
The court also took note of its previous direction for partial salary attachment under Section 60 of the CPC, aimed at recovering the Rs 50 lakh in damages. Earlier, the court had ordered attachment of Gokhale’s salary, stated to be Rs 1.90 lakh. His counsel clarified on Wednesday that his basic salary is Rs 1.24 lakh and the rest comprises allowances. As per the law, only a part of the salary (excluding the first Rs 1,000 and one-third of the remaining amount) can be attached.
The counsel for the Rajya Sabha secretariat assured the court that a compliance report on the salary attachment, as per the April 24 order, would be filed shortly.
Timeline of Events
- 2021: Lakshmi Puri filed the defamation suit over Gokhale’s allegations about her Geneva apartment.
- July 1, 2024: Court ordered Gokhale to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages, apologise, and refrain from further defamatory posts.
- May 2, 2025: Gokhale’s plea to recall the judgment and condone a 180-day delay in filing was rejected.
- May 9, 2025: Court granted final extension of two weeks for apology.
- May 23, 2025: Deadline expired with no compliance.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on September 3, 2025. Whether Gokhale will face civil detention or comply before then remains to be seen.
