Guwahati, Feb 12: Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel and Jitendra Singh have been directed to appear before the court on March 9 in connection with allegations that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma illegally owns 12,000 bighas of land.
The development was confirmed by Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, who stated that the Chief Minister has challenged the three leaders to substantiate their claims and has sought ₹500 crore in damages if they fail to produce proof.
The allegations were published in a news report on February 5, accusing Sarma of possessing illegal land holdings. In response, the Chief Minister moved the court, describing the claims as defamatory and baseless.
After examining the documents placed on record, Justice Nayan Jyoti Sarma granted an ad interim stay order in favour of the Chief Minister. The court restrained the three Congress leaders from making any further statements or allegations regarding Sarma and his property until further orders.
Notices have also been issued to Jayanta Barua, owner of the newspaper that carried the report, along with its publisher and the concerned staff reporter. They have been directed to appear before the court on March 9 and submit evidence in support of the published claims.
The court has additionally restricted the publication of further reports alleging illegal land ownership by the Chief Minister until the matter is adjudicated. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 9.
