Mumbai, Agency
A special court in Mumbai has acquitted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant in a criminal defamation case filed by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Shaina NC over his alleged objectionable remarks during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election campaign.
The court, presided by First Class Judicial Magistrate Arti Kulkarni, on Oct 30 acquitted Sawant after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge of defamation through cogent and convincing evidence.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Shaina NC at Nagpada Police Station on November 2, 2024, alleging that Sawant had referred to her as 'maal' during the election campaign, triggering a political controversy. The controversy had triggered a political row during the 2024 Assembly election campaign, with the alleged remark drawing sharp reactions from Shaina NC and leaders of the rival Shiv Sena factions.
Following her complaint, police registered an FIR against the three-time South Mumbai MP under Sections 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 356(2) (punishment for defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Sawant had denied making any derogatory remarks against Shaina. He maintained that he had neither insulted any woman nor mentioned her by name. He also asserted that his remarks in Hindi were not objectionable and described Shaina as an old friend.
The matter subsequently came up for trial before the special court at Mazgaon. During the proceedings, the prosecution failed to place sufficient evidence on record to substantiate the defamation charge.
Taking note of the failure to establish the allegations, the court acquitted Sawant, bringing relief to the Mumbai South MP in the case.
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