Defamation Case filed against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Delhi Court will hear case on June 26

A defamation case has been filed against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The case was filed by Lipika Mitra, the wife of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Somnath Bharti, in connection with alleged remarks made by the minister about their personal life. A Delhi court has scheduled the hearing of a criminal defamation case against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for June 26, 2025.

Defamation Case Details

Lipika Mitra has accused Nirmala Sitharaman of making false and defamatory statements during a press conference on May 17, 2024. According to the complaint, Sitharaman allegedly spoke about past marital issues between Mitra and Bharti, portraying them in a negative light. However, the complaint states that the couple had already reconciled and were living together peacefully at the time of the remarks.

Mitra claims that Sitharaman’s comments were intended to damage Bharti’s image and influence public opinion during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ultimately benefiting the BJP candidate politically.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

The hearing was postponed after Sitharaman’s legal team requested more time to file a vakalatnama (legal document appointing a lawyer). The court noted that the summons had been officially received, but Sitharaman’s side had also asked for a copy of the complaint.

The judge, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal, instructed Mitra’s lawyer to share a soft copy of the complaint and a link to the alleged defamatory interview or material. The matter has now been listed for consideration and arguments on June 26, 2025.

Background of the Allegations

The complaint highlights that the minister’s statements were made in a political context, just ahead of the general elections. It alleges that Sitharaman deliberately mentioned the couple’s old disputes but did not inform the public about their reunion, leading to misleading impressions about Bharti’s personal life and character.

Mitra has accused the Finance Minister of using personal family matters for political gain, suggesting that the intent was to damage her husband’s election prospects and sway voters.

This case adds a legal twist to the political battle during the 2024 general elections. With the hearing now set for June 26, all eyes will be on the courtroom as Lipika Mitra seeks to hold Nirmala Sitharaman accountable for her public statements.