Delhi High Court Upholds Defamation Case Against Shashi Tharoor

The Delhi High Court has refused to quash defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his 'scorpion on shivling' remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court stated that the remarks were prima facie defamatory to the PM, BJP, and its members, allowing the trial to proceed.

The Delhi High Court has decided against quashing defamation proceedings involving Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The case centers on Tharoor's 'scorpion on shivling' remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which the court found to be prima facie defamatory.

Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta dismissed Tharoor's petition for quashing the defamation proceedings, deeming the statement as harmful to the image of the PM, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its members. The proceedings, originally stayed in October 2020, will now continue.

The court further emphasized that the remarks have significant implications for the political and electoral landscape, and noted that the complaint by Delhi BJP vice-president Rajiv Babbar falls within the legal framework for defamation.

(With inputs from agencies.)