Supreme Court to Hear Tharoor's Appeal in Defamation Case

The Supreme Court will consider listing Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's plea against a Delhi High Court decision refusing to quash defamation proceedings over his 'scorpion on Shivling' comment about PM Narendra Modi. The High Court deemed the remarks defamatory, impacting Modi and BJP members. Tharoor seeks relief from these charges.

The Supreme Court will consider a plea from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor challenging a Delhi High Court verdict that refused to quash defamation proceedings against him. The proceedings were initiated following Tharoor's controversial 'scorpion on Shivling' remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud extended proceedings till 6 pm on Monday to accommodate the request for urgent listing. Tharoor's lawyer argued that without an immediate hearing, the Congress MP would need to appear in a Delhi court in connection with private defamation charges on the same day.

The Delhi High Court, on August 29, upheld the defamation charges, stating that Tharoor's comments were 'despicable and deplorable' and defamed not only the Prime Minister but also the BJP and its members. The case will proceed to trial, with Tharoor seeking a reversal of the High Court's order.

(With inputs from agencies.)