RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari sentenced to 1-year imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine in defamation case

Patna: In a recent development, Shivanand Tiwari, a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has been handed a one-year prison sentence and fined Rs 10,000 by the court of MP-MLA Special Judicial Magistrate Sarika Bahalia. The verdict comes in connection to a defamation case filed against Tiwari by Sanjay Kumar Jha, a minister in the state government representing the Janata Dal (United) [JDU] party.

The case, stemming from 2018, saw Jha accusing Tiwari of using highly objectionable language and making unfounded allegations during a press conference on August 7, 2018. The court found Tiwari guilty under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, considering the statements made by Tiwari to be defamatory, tarnishing Jha’s honor and reputation.

Sanjay Kumar Jha, steadfast in pursuing justice, had filed a criminal defamation case against Shivanand Tiwari, leading to the recent sentencing. The court, after thorough consideration and hearings, imposed a one-year imprisonment term and a fine of Rs 10,000 on Tiwari. Notably, the case took a turn when the political landscape changed, with RJD and JDU forming an alliance despite being in opposing camps at the time of the alleged incident.

Despite the provisional bail granted to Tiwari for 30 days, allowing him to file an appeal in the higher court, the judgment underscores the court’s acknowledgment of the damage caused to Sanjay Jha’s reputation. The court emphasized that Tiwari’s statements had adversely affected Jha’s honor and reputation among the public.

In a related development, it has been reported that a proposal has been sent to the education department in Bihar, suggesting the provision of child care leave for teachers and non-teaching staff. Shivanand Tiwari, after securing provisional bail, is expected to explore legal avenues in the higher court during the 30-day period.