Bombay High Court Rejects Contempt Plea Against Nawab Malik by Sameer Wankhede’s Father

Quick Summary

• Case Details: The Bombay High Court dismissed a contempt petition filed by Dnyandev Wankhede, father of ex-NCB officer Sameer Wankhede, against NCP leader Nawab Malik.
• Allegations: Mr. Malik was accused of breaching a 2021 court undertaking to refrain from making defamatory statements about the Wankhede family.
• Specific remarks Challenged: Statements made publicly and on media interviews between December 28, 2021, and January 3, 2022-including referring to Sameer Wankhede as “sameer Dawood Wankhede”-were cited by the petitioner as defamatory and communal.
• Court Decision: The High Court ruled that Mr.Malik’s remarks did not amount to contempt of court as they were made during ongoing civil proceedings. Petitioner advised to seek other legal remedies.

Image credit: PTI – NCP leader Nawab Malik (File)

Indian Opinion Analysis

The dismissal of the contempt petition reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach in exercising powers under contempt jurisdiction when parallel civil proceedings are ongoing. The bench’s observation signals that defamation or objectionable remarks in such cases may be better dealt with through designated legal frameworks rather than invoking contempt provisions prematurely.

This decision could have broader implications for political discourse involving accusations and counterclaims in India. It reinforces a procedural precedent that courts may defer stricter penal measures until significant evidence or jurisdictional grounds are established through appropriate channels. While it provides some relief to political figures like Nawab Malik, it also encourages litigants-such as Dnyandev wankhede-to explore remedies more aligned with suitable legal processes rather than relying solely on contempt petitions.

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