Dy Speaker files defamation suits over ‘misleading videos’ online

SHILLONG, March 12: Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira filed defamation cases on Wednesday against social media user Mikkanchi R Sangma from Assam and Garo Hills-based YouTuber Balsrang Marak, seeking Rs 100 crore in damages from each for alleged criminal and civil defamation, alleging misinterpretation of his statement made on in the House.
Shira, who accompanied by his legal counsel Sujit Dey and two NPP MLAs — Marthon Sangma (Mendipathar) and Rupert M. Momin (Kharkhutta) — filed the defamation suits before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Shillong.
Speaking to reporters, Shira stated that the two individuals had misinterpreted a video of his statement made on the floor of the Assembly, falsely accusing him of being against his own community and opposing the proposal to make Tura a winter capital.
Meanwhile, Shira’s legal counsel asserted that the defendants had defamed his client not only in his constituency and the Garo Hills region but across the entire state by publishing misleading videos.
According to Dey, Deputy Speaker Shira is deeply aggrieved by their actions and, as a result, has filed these defamation cases.
The legal counsel further stated that the allegations made against his client were baseless.
Dey declined to provide further details, citing the sub judice nature of the case.