THE defamation lawsuit brought against Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal by an investment company has been struck out by the High Court after prolonged delays and repeated failures by the company to comply with court orders.

The ruling was delivered yesterday by Justice Frank Seepersad, who dismissed the claim after granting an application by the claimant’s attorney, Farai Hove Masaisai, to withdraw from the matter. The court also ordered the company, Trillions Investment Ltd, to pay Moonilal’s legal costs.

During the virtual hearing, Masaisai, formally applied to come off the record, however, he did not state the reason for making the decision.