Hockey India to file defamation cases against Kirti Azad

New Delhi: Livid with allegations of corruption levelled by Kirti Azad, Hockey India is planning to file civil and criminal defamation suits against the suspended BJP MP, saying that his sustained outbursts are costing HI sponsorship.

The suits are likely to be filed on Monday or Tuesday, a source in the HI told PTI.

"HI officials are peeved with Azad's continuous allegations against the body. It has tarnished our image and has also created a situation where HI is finding it difficult to get sponsors," the source said.

HI President Narinder Batra also confirmed that legal action is being taken to counter Azad, who has alleged that there is corruption in HI owing to the influence wielded by former Delhi and Districts Cricket Association President Arun Jaitley.

Azad has claimed that there is widespread financial mismanagement in HI, a charge that Batra has already rejected.

"HI is compiling all the documents relevant to the case and the legal action will be initiated by Monday or Tuesday," the HI source said.