Defamation Proceedings Against Shashi Tharoor to Continue, Rules Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has refused to quash defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'scorpion on shivling' remark about PM Narendra Modi. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta dismissed the plea and directed parties to appear before the trial court. Tharoor had sought to dismiss the proceedings initiated by BJP leader Rajiv Babbar, alleging that it hurt religious sentiments.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday upheld defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his contentious 'scorpion on shivling' remark directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta dismissed Tharoor's plea to quash the proceedings and scheduled a trial court appearance for September 10. Tharoor, representing Thiruvananthapuram in Lok Sabha, had challenged the April 2019 order summoning him as an accused.

BJP leader Rajiv Babbar filed the criminal complaint, alleging the statement hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Shiva devotees. Under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, Tharoor was granted bail in June 2019 but failed in his bid to stop the trial.