GORANTLA VENKATESHWARLU Vs. B DEMUDU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Defendant in O.S. No. 36 of 1983 on the file of the Court of the Additional Subordinate Judge, Ongole is the appellant.

(2.) Respondent filed the suit against the appellant claiming damages of Rs. 20,000/- for the defamatory statements made against him by the appellant, i.e., for the appellant alleging that he (respondent) while acting as Managing Director of the Central Farmers Services Co-operative Society (for short 'Society') indulged in malpractices and was having illicit intimacy with several ladies. Appellant filed his written statement taking the plea of justification by truth. Basing on the pleadings, the trial Court framed two issues for trail. In support of his case, respondent examined himself as P.W. 1 and another witness as P.W. 2 and marked Exs. A1 to A11. Appellant examined himself as D.W. 1 and two other witnesses as D. Ws. 2 and 3 and got marked Exs. X.1 to X7 through witnesses. The Court held that respondent is entitled to Rs. 20,000/- as damages for the defamatory statements made by the appellant and accordingly passed a decree for Rs. 20,000/- claimed by the respondent. Hence, the appeal by the defendant in the suit.

(3.) The point for consideration is what amount of damages, if any, is the respondent entitled to.