Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh unconditionally withdrew a defamation suit against the editor in chief of Republic TV Arnab Goswami and ARG Outlier.
While allowing Singh's application, the City Civil Judge imposed a cost of Rs. 1,500 payable to Goswami.
"It is not in dispute that due to filing of the suit the defendant had to engage an advocate. I feel cost needs to be imposed for withdrawal of the suit unconditionally," the judge said.
The suit filed last year sought a decree and order for the payment of damages of Rs 90 lakhs along with interest at 12% per annum for allegedly defaming Param Bir and for "showing him in bad light."
In a scathing written statement, Goswami and ARG represented by Phoenix Legal questioned the maintainability of the suit since Param Bir is no longer the Police Commissioner.
It also cited Param Bit's own statement to the Enforcement Directorate in which he allegedly said that dismissed cop Sachin Waze was taking instructions from former home Minister Anil Deshmukh.
On Wednesday, Param Bir represented by Crawford and Bailey filed an application to withdraw the suit unconditionally.
Arnab's counsel Advocate Pradeep Gandhy gave his no objection, however sought cost for the "torture" endured by his client regarding filing of the suit.
"It should not be misconstrued that we have settled the matter out of court. It is his desire to withdraw the suit, I have no objection. I have been put to immense torture therefore I am praying for costs," Gandhy told the court.
The application doesn't say settlement, the lawyer representing Singh said. He added that he was opposing any prayer for cost on his client.
The judge then recorded the submission of the advocates and allowed Param Bir to withdraw the petition and imposed costs of Rs. 1,500. "The plaintiff doesn't want to proceed with the matter and wants to withdraw unconditionally."
On March 24, 2021, the Bombay High Court granted Goswami limited protection from arrest in his petition alleging 'serious malafides' against the police, especially against the then CP Param Bir Singh.
