Delhi High Court Rejects Shashi Tharoor’s Plea to Quash Defamation Case Over Modi Remark

The Delhi High Court has refused to quash defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor regarding his 'scorpion on Shivling' remark directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court vacated the interim stay and directed the parties to appear before the trial court on September 10.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to quash defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, following a complaint concerning his 'scorpion on Shivling' remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta dismissed Tharoor's plea challenging the defamation case. The court had initially stayed the proceedings on October 16, 2020, but has now vacated this interim order and directed both parties to appear before the trial court on September 10.

The defamation complaint was filed by BJP leader Rajiv Babbar, who argued that Tharoor's statement hurt religious sentiments. Tharoor was summoned as an accused on April 27, 2019, and was granted bail in June 2019. The complaint alleges defamation under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.

(With inputs from agencies.)