Overview

• The division bench refused to accept Gokhale’s June 10 apology affidavit and directed him to withdraw it and file a fresh version within a week
• The judges noted the submitted text did not align with the public apology format mandated in a July 1, 2024 verdict that also barred further social media commentary on Puri
• The matter is scheduled for July 22, when the court will review the revised apology and consider Gokhale’s ongoing appeal
• Gokhale was originally ordered to pay ₹50 lakh in damages to former UN diplomat Lakshmi Puri, with part of his salary attached since April to enforce the award
• Earlier in May, the court rejected his bid to keep the apology affidavit under seal, reinforcing its insistence on a transparent public retraction