Supreme Court Quashes Defamation Case Against Union Minister L Murugan

The Supreme Court quashed the criminal defamation proceedings against Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan. A bench of Justice BR. Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan passed the order, providing relief to Murugan in a case filed by Chennai-based Murasoli Trust.

Court Highlights Political Challenges

The court noted that individuals in politics must be prepared to face criticism. It remarked, “In politics, one should have the skin of a rhinoceros.” The bench advised the complainant to address such matters in public rather than in court. Murugan’s lawyer argued that his statements did not aim to insult or harm the trust’s reputation.

Defamation Case History

Murasoli Trust had filed the complaint after Murugan allegedly made defamatory statements during a press conference in December 2020. The Madras High Court, on September 5, 2023, refused to quash the proceedings. It stated that Murugan’s comments aimed to tarnish the trust’s reputation.

Murugan challenged the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court. He argued that his remarks were not directed at the trust, and no defamation case applied. The Supreme Court accepted this defense and quashed the proceedings, ending the legal battle.

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