A Civil Court in Guwahati has granted an ad-interim injunction in a ₹500 crore defamation suit filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Court restrained senior Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel, and Jitendra Singh from making or circulating any allegedly defamatory statements against him.
Civil Judge (Senior Division) No. 1 Nayanjyoti Sarma passed the order on 12 February 2026.
Interim Relief Granted
After hearing submissions on behalf of the plaintiff, the Court directed the three Congress leaders, along with a prominent Assamese daily named as a defendant, not to publish, circulate, or disseminate any further allegedly defamatory material concerning the Chief Minister.
The restraint will operate until the defendants appear personally before the Court.
The Court listed the matter for 9 March 2026 for the appearance of the defendants.
While granting interim relief, the Court observed that refusal of an injunction at this stage could “defeat the justice.” It further noted that continued circulation of the alleged statements could lead to multiplicity of proceedings.
Background of the ₹500 Crore Suit
Chief Minister Sarma instituted the civil defamation suit seeking damages of ₹500 crore. The action arises from statements allegedly made by the Congress leaders during a press conference in February and in related political engagements.
According to the plaint, the defendants made allegations concerning the Chief Minister’s conduct and assets. These included claims relating to alleged illegal land ownership and other purported improprieties.
The plaintiff has asserted that these allegations are false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation.
Counsel for Chief Minister Sarma challenged the accuracy of the allegations before the Court. He also sought documentary proof in support of the statements attributed to the defendants.
The suit will now proceed in accordance with the schedule fixed by the Civil Court.
