LONDON: A jury in the High Court in London has decided unanimously that Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan, leader of the Khalistan movement, had been libeled by reference to him in the book “History of the Sikhs,” Vol 2, (2nd edition, pub 1991), written by Kushwant Singh and published by Oxford University Press (New Delhi).
Dr. Chohan had brought a libel action against OUP to vindicate his reputation. He expressed his absolute delight at the verdict of the English jury which cleared his name of the lies published about him in the book by Kushwant Singh. Dr. Chohan said that this case was not only about his personal reputation but was also a triumph against attempts to tarnish the image of the Sikh movement for the establishment of a sovereign state Khalistan. Dr. Chohan said “Recovery of the money from OUP was not my main aim and I am delighted at the jury’s verdict vindicating reputation.” Commenting on the jury’s award of nominal damages, Dr. ‘Chohan said “My case was never about money. It has been a long journey and I have been empty rewarded by the restoration of my good name.”
In the book, Kushwant Singh had falsely stated that Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan had been a member of the Indian Congress party, had shaved off his beard and worked as a railway guard when he came to England, was corrupt when he was Finance Minister in Lachman Singh Gill’s government in 1967, offered monetary rewards to people who would avenge Operation Bluestar and that he advocated violence and lauded the assassins of Mrs. Gandhi etc. OUP has withdrawn the said book from sale worldwide.
The London solicitors Mcarz Singh and Choudry acted for Dr. Chohan in the litigation, whilst Massrs Theodore Goddand acted for the defendants.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 21, 1995
