VHP files defamation against Abu Azmi

Mumbai, Dec 14 (UNI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today moved the Bombay High Court submitting that Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi had refused to accept a notice, informing that a defamation case has been filed against him.

Justice S J Vazifdar, who was hearing the matter, directed VHP counsel Gyanmurti Sharma to issue another notice and deferred the next hearing to December 20.

VHP has filed the defamation case against Mr Azmi, who is also the party President for Maharashtra, for making derogatory statements against them, which had been widely published.

The petitioners alleged that after the three blasts at Malegaon on September 8, Mr Azmi called a press conference and alleged that VHP was involved in the blasts.

The petition states that the SP MP is attempting to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims who are residing together despite having to go through the trauma of the blast. ''But the intentions behind this action of the defendant is dishonest and his personal vengeance against Hindus and the VHP has led to making such derogatory statements.'' VHP has sought Rs one lakh as damages while asking the court to issue a direction for the defendant to tender an unconditional apology in public and withdraw the allegations made against them.

UNI ARM OBB YA ND1958