Overview
- Thursday’s ruling overturns a September 26, 2024 magistrate order that imposed 15 days in jail and a Rs 25,000 fine, with the detailed written judgment still awaited.
- Judge Mahesh K. Jadhav held it was not proved that the article was published at Raut’s instruction and noted an executive editor cannot automatically be held liable for every item, citing Supreme Court precedent.
- The court found key evidentiary gaps, including only brief video clips being produced, the interviewer not examined, and no proof tying Raut to pieces in other publications.
- Saamana editor Rajesh Powale testified he edited and verified the story based on a letter from MLA Pratap Sarnaik and a report by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation commissioner.
- Medha Somaiya’s lawyers said they will appeal the acquittal in the Bombay High Court.