A Magistrate court in Mumbai has directed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – Ajit Pawar faction’s spokesperson Suraj Chavan to file a response in a criminal defamation case filed against him by activist and whistleblower Anjali Damania.
The case, filed before the Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate court, stems from remarks allegedly made by Chavan during a televised debate, which Damania claims were defamatory and intended to tarnish her reputation.
According to Damania’s complaint, the comments followed her criticism of Ajit Pawar’s “pink campaign” — an outreach initiative targeting women voters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Damania had posted her views on social media, which reportedly triggered backlash from NCP supporters. In response, Chavan made statements on a news channel that Damania alleges were false, baseless, and intended to discredit her public image and past activism.
The complaint also asserts that Chavan’s remarks were widely circulated on social media, exacerbating the damage to her reputation and standing in public life.
Damania has sought action under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to criminal defamation, and has urged the court to take cognisance of the offence and initiate appropriate legal proceedings. She has also requested that the police be directed to investigate the matter and collect relevant evidence.
Chavan has to file a reply by September 8.
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