Although Barr’s motion in November for a summary judgment dismissing Dalal from the case was broad, Cavedo said, the memorandum filed in support of the move spoke only to the issue of defamation.

Cavedo said in November that although Judkins dealt with negative publicity as a result of Dalal’s report, “bad publicity does not equal defamation when it comes to a public figure.”

He went on to say then that Dalal had reason to believe his calculations were correct when determining how much compensation Judkins stood to gain from the restoration of her benefits.

Barr on Tuesday said Cavedo’s decision in November that Dalal had acted reasonably and without malice toward Judkins resolved both issues.

Judkins’ lawyer, Verbena Askew, has challenged the methods Dalal used to calculate figures in his report. In court filings, she said he did not adhere to his department’s policies, procedures or standards of conduct.

“It was negligence that would shock the consciousness of fair-minded people,” Askew wrote.

Judkins has sought mental health treatment and struggled to find work since her ouster, according to court filings.

Cavedo is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter Feb. 22.