The Supreme Court has observed that politicians should not be "touchy" while hearing a plea from Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, regarding a criminal defamation case against him.
Murugan approached the apex court last year, challenging a 5 September 2023 order from the Madras High Court, which refused to quash proceedings initiated by Chennai-based Murasoli Trust. The Trust accused Murugan of making defamatory statements during a press conference in December 2020.
The Supreme Court stayed the proceedings pending in a special court in Chennai while agreeing to hear Murugan's petition on 27 September. The court also requested a response from the Trust regarding his plea.
During the latest hearing, Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan asked, "Where is the question of defamation in this case?" A lawyer for the Trust sought an adjournment, leading the bench to reiterate, "You cannot be touchy in politics."
The court subsequently scheduled the case for a further hearing in four weeks.
In its earlier ruling, the high court noted that the Trust alleged Murugan made statements "with an ulterior motive to degrade and tarnish the reputation of the Murasoli Trust in the eyes of the general public." The high court explained that while addressing the quash petition, it could not delve into the merits of the case or disputed facts but must assess whether the allegations constitute an offence.
In its order, the high court directed the trial court to resolve the case within three months and left it open for Murugan to present his arguments, which would be considered on their own merits in accordance with the law.
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