Delhi court junks defamation case against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed a criminal defamation complaint filed by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

Additional chief judicial magistrate Paras Dalal ruled that the complaint did not establish "any ingredients of defamation" and refused to summon Tharoor.

Chandrasekhar had accused Tharoor of making false and derogatory remarks on national television, alleging that he bribed voters in the Thiruvananthapuram constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He claimed that Tharoor’s statements were intended to damage his reputation and influence the election outcome, despite knowing the allegations were untrue.

According to Chandrasekhar's complaint, the interviews were aired on various news channels and shared on social media at Tharoor's behest, leading to a loss of reputation in society and ultimately contributing to his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The court had taken cognisance of the complaint on September 21, 2024.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, the Delhi High Court on Monday issued a summons to Tharoor in a defamation suit filed by Chandrasekhar, who is seeking Rs 10 crore in damages for reputational harm.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav scheduled the matter for April 28, stating, "Let the plaint be registered as a suit. Issue summons to the defendant (Tharoor). List before the joint registrar on April 28."

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