HC stays Maran’s defamation case against Palaniswami

Chennai: Madras high court has stayed all further proceedings of a criminal defamation complaint moved by Dayanidhi Maran, DMK MP, against former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Justice G K Ilanthirayan passed the interim order on Friday, on a plea moved by Palaniswami seeking to quash the complaint pending before the XIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Egmore.The issue pertains to an alleged speech made by Palaniswami while campaigning for the 2021 assembly election. In his speech, he alleged that Dayanidhi Maran, who is the MP of Chennai Central parliamentary constituency, did not even use 75% of his constituency funds. He allegedly said, "Dayanidhi Maran's only motive was to expand his and his family's assets."Claiming that the statement was made without any basis and that it caused damage to his reputation, Dayanidhi Maran moved the criminal defamation complaint. Challenging the complaint, Palaniswami contended that speeches made during election campaigns would not constitute defamation. Moreover, the speech was based on news reports on the issue, he added.Admitting the plea, the court directed Dayanidhi Maran to file his counter and adjourned the hearing to April 4.