Agartala, April 14 -- Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarman has filed a criminal defamation case against Ranjit Debbarma, a legislator of Tipra Motha, over alleged defamatory remarks made during two public meetings, his lawyer said on Monday.

The case has been lodged before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, West Tripura, in connection with statements made by the MLA at rallies held on March 30 and April 9. The minister has alleged that the remarks harmed his reputation and public image.

Advocate Sankar Lodh, representing Debbarman, said portions of the speeches contained "highly defamatory" statements targeting the minister's personal and professional integrity.

According to the counsel, the MLA used terms such as "Takla ...