The Supreme Court observed that “you cannot be touchy in politics” while hearing Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan’s plea regarding a criminal defamation case against him.
Murugan had approached the apex court after the Madras High Court, on September 5, 2023, refused to quash the defamation proceedings initiated by Chennai-based Murasoli Trust over statements he allegedly made during a December 2020 press conference.
Last year, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Murugan’s petition and stayed the proceedings in a Chennai special court. The apex court also asked the Trust to respond to his challenge of the high court’s order. During Friday’s hearing, Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan were told by Murugan’s counsel that the case did not involve defamation. However, the Trust’s lawyer requested an adjournment, and the bench noted, “You cannot be touchy in politics,” before postponing the hearing for four weeks.
The Madras High Court, in its previous order, noted that Murugan’s statements were allegedly intended to damage the reputation of the Murasoli Trust. The court, while refusing to quash the case, explained that in defamation cases, the statements must be evaluated from the perspective of an average person who encounters them. It emphasized that the merits of the case would be determined by the trial court and directed the lower court to resolve the matter within three months.
(With inputs from agency)
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