The Madras High Court has dismissed a defamation case filed against former Minister and AIADMK leader Sellur Raju for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during a protest held on 29 May 2023 in Madurai.
The case, registered in the Madurai District Principal Sessions Court, was brought after Sellur Raju’s remarks during the protest were deemed defamatory by the ruling DMK government. In response, Raju filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to quash the case.
The petition was heard by Justice Velmurugan, where Raju’s counsel argued that the remarks were part of his democratic duty as an opposition MLA and merely an expression of his opinion. They asserted that his speech was not intended to harm the Chief Minister’s reputation.
The government, however, maintained that Raju’s statements were deliberately made to tarnish the image of the Chief Minister and argued that the case should proceed.
During the hearing, Justice Velmurugan expressed strong disapproval of the behavior of both DMK and AIADMK parties, remarking that neither had a genuine intention to contribute positively to the country. He criticized both parties for their habitual accusations against each other under the guise of strengthening democracy, stating, “If political parties continue such behavior, how will the next generation learn to foster a better political culture?”
Ultimately, Justice Velmurugan ruled in favor of Sellur Raju, quashing the defamation case. The judge concluded that Raju’s speech did not amount to defamation and pointed out that such exchanges between political parties have become a routine tactic to maintain the status quo rather than strengthen democratic principles.
(With inputs from PTTV)
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