Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has filed a libel lawsuit against the Special Adviser to the National Environment Commission, Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, popularly known as Dasho Benji.
DPT’s letter to the court accuses Dasho Benji of posting a “defamatory” statement against DPT of “having robbed the country blind”, on Facebook. (Click here to read the full letter)
Dasho Benji, over a telephonic interview, says everyone has the right to express their views and that he was just expressing his opinion. “It was just an opinion and not an accusation.”
As for the phrase, “having robbed the country blind”, Dasho Paljor said DPT has taken it literally but for him it was just an expression and that it can mean a hundred and one things. He added he is not sure how that could be considered as libel.
The letter to the court, which was written by the Opposition Leader, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, also says the Opposition Leader had asked Dasho Benji to substantiate his statement on the same forum, but he never responded.
It also says the Opposition Leader had asked the Prime Minister to take action against Dasho Benji. “However, he refused to take action on the basis that Dasho Paljor J. Dorji is not a civil servant and he holds public service position outside the purview of the Government.”
The letter says by making a brash, provocative and slanderous accusation by a prominent, high ranking, serving public servant, Dasho Benji has damaged DPT’s reputation and image as a credible political party.
“If DPT is found guilty of robbing the country, it cannot and should not continue representing our people in the Parliament and should be dissolved…” reads the letter.
It also says If Dasho Benji fails to substantiate his statement he should be charged and convicted for posting false and distorted information.
