Swarna Shukla-
Published On: September 29, 2021 at 12:28 IST
The Madras High Court quashed a 2017 Defamation case filed against incumbent Telangana Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan over comments made by her against a political party in Tamil Nadu.
Justice M. Dhandapani quashed the case on merits though there was no representation either on behalf of Soundararajan or the Complainant Dhadi K. Karthikeyan of VCK despite adjourning the hearing on multiple occasions.
The Court observed that since no comment were made against the Complainant himself, essentials required for filing a Criminal Defamation case under Section 499 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) were not fulfilled.
The Court said, “The Complaint is a mere collection acts of the said to have been done by the political party and its President, but for the few lines of innuendos against the Petitioner. The complaint is nothing but an attempt on the part of the Respondent to gain political publicity at the cost of judicial time.”
The Court also noted that the Trail Court didn’t apply its mind while issuing summons to Soundararajan in the matter. The Complaint referred to the provision of Section 500 of the IPC, and the Trail Court had issued notice under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act.
Earlier during an interview, Soundararajan allegedly stated to have said that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and its head, Thirumavalavan conducted “Kangaroo Courts” and unsurped lands.
Also Read: Madras High Court: All new buses purchased must be disabled friendly