Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has initiated a significant legal battle, filing a defamation lawsuit seeking a staggering ₹50 crore in damages. The suit targets Uttam Saha, the president of the Argentina Fan Club, following public allegations made by Saha regarding Ganguly's involvement in the controversial Lionel Messi event held in Kolkata.
The Core Allegations and Legal Response
The dispute stems from the chaotic visit of global football icon Lionel Messi to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. Following the event, Uttam Saha publicly made statements suggesting Sourav Ganguly had a role in the organizational aspects of the visit, which allegedly contributed to the disorder.
Ganguly, through his legal complaint filed at Lalbazar, has categorically labeled Saha's remarks as "false, malicious, offensive, and defamatory." The cricket administrator asserts that these comments were made without any factual foundation and have caused substantial harm to his personal and professional reputation.
Ganguly's Clarification on His Role
In his legal filing, Sourav Ganguly provided a clear clarification regarding his presence at the stadium during the high-profile event. He emphasized that he had no official connection with the organization or execution of the Messi program.
Ganguly, who currently holds the position of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, stated that he attended the event purely as an invited guest. His presence was not in any administrative or official capacity related to the football event, which was outside the purview of the cricket association he leads.
Implications and Next Steps
This defamation suit, with its substantial claim of ₹50 crore, highlights the serious nature with which Ganguly views the damage to his reputation. Legal experts suggest that the case will hinge on proving the falsity of Saha's statements and the quantifiable harm caused by them.
The lawsuit brings into focus the responsibilities of public figures and fan club representatives in making allegations, especially those involving high-profile personalities from the sports world. The outcome of this case could set a notable precedent for similar defamation claims in the future.
