KATHMANDU, Jan 8: A dispute has resurfaced between two media owners - Kailsh Sirohiya of Kantipur Media Group and Ajeyaraj Parajuli Sumagri of Thaha Sanchar - with the latter registering a defamation case against the former at the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday. Sumargi has sought Rs 250 million in compensation from Sirohiya for 'defaming' him through Kantipur Publication.
In the case filed against Kantipur Publications, chairman of Mukti Shree Cement Pvt Ltd, Sumargi has claimed that KMG published news reports damaging his dignity and integrity and also his business. Sumargi has requested the court to make Kantipur Publications pay the amount in compensation to the damage.
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Earlier, Sumargi had demanded security from the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, accusing Sirohiya of threatening him.
In the defamation lawsuit, Sumargi has named KMG Chairman Sirohiya, Director Swstika Sirohiya and Sudheer Sharma, the editor-in-chief of the Kantipur daily, as defendants.
Sumargi has claimed that his relation with Sirohiya soured after he bought the latter's land. He has further claimed that the Sirohiya misused his publications including Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur Television after he turned down Sirohiya's request to return his land at the same price he had paid a year ago. Sirohiya had sold the land for Rs 232.11 million.
On December 24, 2017, Kantipur ran a story with an ill-intention to defame him, Sumargi has claimed in the defamation lawsuit.
Sumargi has asked the court to give maximum punishment to the defendants as per the Defamation Act 2016.