New Delhi, October 20 (IANS): Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan on Friday withdrew from appearing for Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra before the Delhi High Court in her defamation suit against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, and several media organisations for alleged false and defamatory accusations against her.
Dehadrai, who appeared in person, informed the court that Sankaranarayanan contacted him Thursday night proposing that he withdraw his CBI complaint in exchange for custody of the dog, Henry.
Henry had become a subject of dispute between Dehadrai and Moitra, with both accusing each other of "stealing" the dog, leading to complaints filed with the Delhi Police.
Dehadrai told Justice Sachin Datta that there is something very disturbing.
"There is a very serious conflict of interest. He (Sankaranarayanan) had a 30-minute call with me. He asked me to withdraw the CBI complaint in exchange for the dog. He cannot appear in the matter," he said. Justice then said: "I am really appalled. You are a person who is expected to maintain the highest professional standard."
Sankaranarayanan clarified that he had contacted Dehadrai with the consent of Moitra, and only because Dehadrai had previously instructed him. However, the Judge raised concerns, saying, "You tried to play the role of the mediator. Are you then eligible to still appear in this matter?" In light of these arguments, Sankaranarayanan withdrew from the case. Now, the matter is adjourned until October 31.
