"Nothing Defamatory In Statements": CM Mamata Banerjee Tells Calcutta High Court In Defamation Suit By WB Governor

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday told the Calcutta High Court that her statements referencing allegations of sexual harassment against Governor CV Ananda Bose did not contain anything defamatory.

These submissions were made before a single bench of Justice Krishna Rao by Banerjee's counsel, former advocate general SN Mookheerjee in a defamation suit against the CM by the governor for allegedly defaming him by stating that women were "not feeling safe" to meet the governor due to the allegations of sexual harassment against him.

It was stated by the CM's counsel that the remarks were not defamatory but were in fact made in the public interest. It was also submitted that the suit filed by the governor would not be maintainable.

Counsel for Governor Bose stated that the plaintiff was seeking relief such that the CM and two other MLAs of the ruling dispensation be restrained from making any statements against him. The controversy erupted after Banerjee claimed that two female MLAs of the Trinamool Congress had allegedly told her that they felt unsafe visiting the Raj Bhavan to be administered the oath of office by the Governor.

The plea has been adjourned for further hearing at a later date.

Case: Dr CV Ananda Bose v Sushri Mamata Banerjee & ors

Case No: CS/168/2024