PUNE: Advocate Aashuutosh Srivastava has served a Rs 10 crore defamation notice on Sahil Goyal, brother of Lohagad murder case accused Siya Goyal, alleging that his public statements questioning the advocate’s appointment caused serious damage to his professional reputation. The dispute stems from Srivastava’s brief appearance as counsel for Siya Goyal. In the legal notice issued on June 29, Srivastava alleged that Sahil Goyal made media statements claiming that neither he nor other family members had authorised the advocate to represent Siya. The notice further claims that Sahil also alleged that the advocate had threatened the family. Srivastava said that Siya Goyal, being an adult, was legally entitled to appoint an advocate of her choice and had executed a duly signed vakalatnama in his favour, which was accepted by the court and placed on record. He alleged that Sahil made the statements without verifying the court records, thereby harming his professional standing and exposing him to trolling, threats and reputational loss.Through the notice, the advocate has demanded an unconditional public apology within 48 hours, withdrawal of the allegedly defamatory statements from all platforms and payment of Rs 10 crore as damages within seven days. The notice warns that failure to comply would result in civil and criminal proceedings, including a defamation complaint under the BNS. Notably Sahil has earlier said the Goyal family has approached advocate Vipul Dushing to defend Siya. Even Siya during a hearing before the Vadgaon Maval court on June 29 reportedly stated that lawyer Vipul Dushing is representing her.TOI tried contacting Sahil Goyal however, he was unavailable for his comment.
