The decision addresses an anti-SLAPP motion under s. 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act in a defamation action brought by Prasanth Tella against A.B., his former partner.
The allegedly defamatory statements were made primarily to the Ottawa Police Service’s Professional Standards Section and to a few other individuals.
The court finds that most of the statements at issue relate to a matter of public interest, but some do not.
The court concludes that the statements made to the Professional Standards Section are protected by absolute privilege and that the plaintiff has not met the burden to show there are no valid defences.
The action is dismissed, with leave to bring a new action regarding certain statements if desired.
The court also grants an anonymity order and a publication ban regarding the defendant’s identity.
