The Delhi High Court has issued a summons to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav has directed the court registry to register the case as a civil suit and issued summons to Tharoor. The matter has been listed for hearing before the joint registrar on April 28, 2024.
Allegations made by Rajeev Chandrasekhar
In the defamation case filed by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, he has charged Shashi Tharoor with making false and defamatory statements in connection with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Chandrasekhar alleges that Tharoor, in an interview with a television channel, claimed that the BJP leader had offered monetary inducements to voters in the Thiruvananthapuram constituency to influence the election outcome.
Chandrasekhar says that these allegations are baseless and have severely damaged his personal and professional reputation. He has sought a public apology from Tharoor and an order restraining him from making any further defamatory statements.
₹10 Crore Defamation Suit
Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called for a compensation of ₹10 crore as damages, claiming his reputation has been defamed and dented by the statements from the side of Tharoor. According to him, these statements have belied his opportunities in political life.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
It is being represented by Karanjawala & Company, a premier legal firm in the case that Chandrasekhar is contesting. Delhi High Court now has scheduled April 28, 2024, for when both parties can present their cases before the joint registrar.
Background and Political Context
It happens a few days after the election results of 2024 Lok Sabha, which marked the win for Shashi Tharoor from the constituency of Thiruvananthapuram defeating Rajeev Chandrasekhar. This election campaign-related allegations of making some defamatory statements is accused against Shashi Tharoor.
The defamation case exemplifies the hotting up of the political atmosphere and the utilization of legal routes to settle electoral campaign-related disputes. Both leaders are likely to be on their guard as the case is argued in court.
Now that the case has been brought forward by the Delhi High Court, summoning Shashi Tharoor and the date fixed for further hearing on April 28, the case will now move ahead by the judicial process. The defamation suit could be a landmark decision for both the leaders, with regards to the election-related statements affecting careers in politics.
