Did Pawan Khera's Allegations Lead to a Rs 100 Crore Defamation Notice?
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Synopsis
Pawan Khera's recent allegations regarding a high-profile media acquisition have sparked a significant legal response. His comments, interpreted as defamatory, led to a Rs 100 crore defamation notice from R.P. Gupta. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in Indian politics and media.
Key Takeaways
- Controversial statements can lead to significant legal consequences.
- Political discourse in India is often charged and contentious.
- Public figures must be cautious about their allegations.
- The media's role in reporting such incidents is critical.
- Defamation notices are a serious legal tool in political disputes.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Congress spokesperson and head of the party's Media and Publicity department, Pawan Khera, stirred controversy on Friday by asserting that an individual in the highest office facilitated a businessman’s acquisition of a media company rich in real estate for mere peanuts. This bold claim resulted in a defamation notice amounting to Rs 100 crore.
While Khera’s early morning post on social media did not specify any organization, it referenced R.P. Gupta, who recently assumed control of the news agency, UNI.
United News of India (UNI), established in 1959, operates from a British-era bungalow located on Rafi Marg, in the heart of New Delhi, right next to the Ministry of Telecommunications and just above Patel Chowk Metro station.
Following Khera’s provocative remarks, Gupta promptly issued a defamation notice against him for his “false, cowardly, and anti-national” remarks on X.
This notice was delivered by Gupta in his role as Chairman of The Statesman Ltd and Director of UNI, via his lawyer Praveen Kumar.
The notice demanded a retraction, an apology, and a written commitment from Khera to refrain from repeating these defamatory statements, which were alleged to tarnish the dignity of both The President and the judiciary.
Gupta’s attorney remarked: “Should you fail to comply with the terms stated, I have instructions to pursue action against you, both under civil and criminal law, and you will be liable for damages amounting to Rs 100 Crore.”
Khera is no stranger to scandal. Previously, he faced backlash for allegedly making defamatory remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s father and connecting the PM to industrialists.
The notice from Gupta’s lawyer highlighted: “My client's attention has been drawn to a tweet posted by you today… wherein apparently for your own narrow political ends, you have intentionally uttered lies aimed at defaming my client by making false, cowardly, and anti-national statements.”
Gupta's notice quoted Khera's tweet: “Who is RP Gupta? Did someone in the highest office of the country help him acquire a real-estate-rich media company for peanuts? Who is the real owner of the said company?”
The legal notice accused Khera of making bare-faced lies posing as innuendo solely to defame Gupta and diminish his reputation among peers, friends, employees, and media.
Gupta's notice further stated that Khera's tweet caused him significant mental distress, as he received numerous calls from friends and acquaintances expressing shock at the unfounded insinuations.
Gupta’s notice concluded: “Your insinuation that the acquisition of a 'real-estate-rich media company for peanuts' was facilitated by the highest office of the country not only mocks the President but also ridicules the judicial process involved in this acquisition, which underwent a thorough and transparent public resolution lasting nearly two years.”
Point of View
This incident underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in India. Allegations against influential figures often escalate quickly, resulting in legal ramifications. It's crucial for public figures to exercise caution and for the media to report responsibly.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pawan Khera claim?
Pawan Khera claimed that someone in the highest office helped a businessman acquire a media company for peanuts.
Who issued the defamation notice?
R.P. Gupta issued the defamation notice against Pawan Khera.
How much is the defamation notice worth?
The defamation notice is worth Rs 100 crore.
What was Gupta's response to Khera's claims?
Gupta described Khera's statements as false, cowardly, and anti-national, demanding a retraction and apology.
What was the context of Khera's comments?
Khera's comments were made on social media and pertained to the acquisition of a real-estate-rich media company.
