Nusli Wadia files defamation case

Mumbai: Bombay Dyeing chief  Nusli Wadia, who has been ousted as director from Tata Motors through a special resolution at its EGM, has complained before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, saying, “the defamatory and offending contents of the Special Notices have caused severe prejudice to the reputation and goodwill of the complainant (Mr Wadia) as also affected his status as an independent director not only in the Tata Group companies, but as a director in various other companies; and will continue to have a cascading effect on the complainant’s reputation and goodwill in business circles.”

In his complaint, Mr Wadia is seeking simple imprisonment for up to two years and fine to Tata Sons and its directors for defamation, abetment and criminal act with common intention, as well as compensation as per provisions of Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The suit has been  filed against Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group and all its directors, including Ratan Tata.  The complaint  further said  “By making false and baseless innuendos and allegations against the complainant, the accused have caused distress, hurt and humiliation, as well as pecuniary loss, social disadvantages, injury to feelings, mental pain and suffering to the complainant."

Mr Wadia claims that he first learnt about the special notice issued by Tata Sons seeking his removal from the company board on November 11, 2016, at a meeting of independent directors of Tata Steel. On the same day, he says, he received three separate forwarded emails from Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals and Tata Motors, which was the special notice issued by Tata Sons.