A Delhi court has scheduled a hearing for June 26, 2025, to examine a criminal defamation complaint filed against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The complaint was lodged by Lipika Mitra, who alleges that the minister made defamatory remarks against her during a public statement in May 2024.
According to the complaint, the Finance Minister’s comments were not only factually incorrect, but also malicious and damaging to Mitra’s personal and professional reputation. The remarks were allegedly made during a press interaction concerning a high-profile financial misconduct case in which Mitra had earlier been involved as a whistleblower.
The complainant has urged the court to take cognizance under Section 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deal with defamation and its punishment. Mitra’s legal counsel contends that Sitharaman, in her capacity as a public servant, must exercise restraint in public comments that have the potential to prejudice public opinion and cause personal harm.
While the Finance Minister has not responded publicly to the complaint, sources close to her office have called the allegations politically motivated and without merit.
The case has stirred fresh debate on the limits of free speech for public officials, and whether statements made in an official capacity should carry greater accountability under the defamation law.
The court’s decision on June 26 could determine whether formal proceedings will commence or whether the complaint lacks sufficient legal ground to proceed.
