Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira has filed defamation cases against two individuals for allegedly misinterpreting his speech during the Budget Session and posted it on social media platforms.
The defamation cases were filed against Mikkanchi R Sangma of Darangiri, Goalpara District, Assam and Balsrang Marak of Thapa Darenchi, North Garo Hills in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shillong.
Speaking to reporters Shira stated that the individuals had claimed that he had gone against the demand of the community to make Tura the winter capital.
“I have filed criminal defamation cases against them because they have gone viral on YouTube with a misinterpretation of my speech in the Assembly. Without understanding the details of what I said in the House, they have claimed on YouTube that I am totally against my community and that I oppose the establishment of a winter capital in Tura. They have condemned me for not cooperating with the community.”
Shira’s counsel explained that two cases were filed, one for defamation and another for criminal defamation. In the case of criminal defamation, if they cannot prove their allegations, they can face legal consequences according to criminal law.
“We have also filed a defamation suit seeking damages of Rs 100 crores from each of them, as they have misinterpreted the statements made by the Deputy Speaker in the Assembly,” he added.
