(Update): Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, popularly known as Dasho Benji, will not apologise to Druk Phunseum Tshogpa (DPT) for his comment on social media, “of having robbed the country blind”.
Dasho’s Lawyer, in the Thimphu District Court today, presented that the apology DPT desperately seeks from the defendant not only undermines the civil rights but grossly tantamount to intimidating the very soul of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
DPT had said they will withdraw the libel lawsuit they had filed against Dasho Benji, if he apologises.
The party had said if the Special Adviser to the National Environment Commission, Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, issues a public apology through court, DPT will not pursue the case further.
DPT has taken Dasho Benji to the court accusing Dasho Benji of posting a “defamatory” statement against DPT of “having robbed the country blind”, on Facebook in September.
During the rebuttal statement today, Dasho’s Lawyer also insisted the DPT pay the monetary surety (Bha) of Nu.75 MN to Dasho Benji if DPT feels that they are not seditious party, is corruption-free and has not usurped the Royal prerogatives.
Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s lawyer will present the party’s argument to the court January 22.
