Shillong, March 21: The Court of the Assistant to District Judge at Shillong has issued summons to the two youtubers in connection with the Rs. 100 crore defamation cases filed by Meghalaya Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira.
Shira filed defamation cases on March 12, 2025 against social media user Mikkanchi R Sangma from Assam and Garo Hills-based YouTuber Balsrang Marak, seeking Rs 100 crore in damages from each for alleged criminal and civil defamation, alleging misinterpretation of his statement made in the Assembly.
The accused have been directed to appear before the Court of the Assistant to District Judge at Shillong on May 9, 2025, failing which the case will proceed in their absence.
The summons state that the individuals must present themselves in person or through a duly instructed pleader to respond to the allegations. The cases, filed under Defamation Suit No. 1 (H) of 2025, will determine whether the accused contest the claims and allow for the submission of evidence and witness statements. The court has warned that if the accused admit to the claims, a judgment will be passed immediately.
The legal action stems from allegations that the accused individuals edited and circulated misleading videos that falsely portrayed Shira as opposing the proposal to make Tura the winter capital of Meghalaya. The alleged misinformation sparked public outrage, prompting the Deputy Speaker to seek legal recourse.
Shira stated that the two individuals had misinterpreted a video of his statement made on the floor of the Assembly, falsely accusing him of being against his own community and opposing the proposal to make Tura a winter capital. Adding that the manipulated videos have damaged his reputation.
