Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Mittal of the Rouse Avenue Court directed Swaraj to respond to the complaint by January 4, 2025. The court instructed Jain's counsel to ensure the necessary processing fee is submitted promptly to facilitate the serving of the notice.
The defamation complaint centers on statements made by Swaraj during a television interview on October 5, 2023. Jain alleges that Swaraj falsely claimed that an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on his residence resulted in the seizure of ₹3 crore in cash, 1.8 kilograms of gold, and 133 gold coins. He contends that these assertions are baseless and were made with the intent to tarnish his reputation for political gain.
Jain's complaint further asserts that Swaraj labeled him as "corrupt" and a "fraud" during the interview, causing significant harm to his personal and professional standing. He maintains that such allegations have adversely impacted his role as a public representative and his relationships within his family and society at large.
The court's decision to reissue the notice underscores the legal system's commitment to addressing allegations of defamation, particularly when they involve public figures and potential political motivations. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between political adversaries and raises questions about the ethical boundaries of public discourse.