Has Delhi HC Issued Notice to Shashi Tharoor Regarding Rajeev Chandrasekhar's Defamation Plea?
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Shashi Tharoor concerning BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s defamation plea. This legal battle arises from accusations made during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the intensity of political rivalries in India.
Key Takeaways
- The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Shashi Tharoor.
- Rajeev Chandrasekhar has challenged the dismissal of his defamation complaint.
- Tharoor's allegations are linked to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- The court will address the matter again on September 16.
- The case highlights the intense political rivalries in India.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has recently issued a notice concerning BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s appeal against the dismissal of his defamation complaint against Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor. A single-judge Bench led by Justice Ravinder Dudeja has requested Tharoor's response to Chandrasekhar’s revision plea challenging a magisterial court's decision, which had previously declined to issue a summons to the Congress leader.
On February 4, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal determined that, prima facie, there were no sufficient grounds for a defamation claim against the Congress parliamentarian.
During the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor accused Chandrasekhar, the BJP candidate for Thiruvananthapuram, in a television interview of having “bribed” significant voters and influential figures, including Christian parish priests.
In retaliation, Chandrasekhar approached the court, alleging that Tharoor had spread false and misleading information, and subsequently served him with a defamation notice.
Chandrasekhar expressed his shock at the claims made by Tharoor during an interview with 24 News, a Kerala-based news outlet.
Chandrasekhar demanded Tharoor retract the allegations immediately and issue an unconditional public apology through both print and electronic media.
He contended that such defamatory remarks have disrespected the entire Christian community of Thiruvananthapuram and its leaders by accusing them of engaging in cash-for-votes practices.
Chandrasekhar argued that Tharoor fabricated these allegations to sway voter opinion in Thiruvananthapuram.
The legal notice asserted that Tharoor's statements were made with the intent to harm Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
“Immediately retract all allegations and aspersions made by you against our client Rajeev Chandrashekhar on the aforementioned news channel dated April 6, 2024. Provide an unconditional public apology to our client to his satisfaction through print and electronic media regarding these baseless allegations and refraining from such actions in the future,” the notice stated.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear Chandrasekhar’s revision plea next on September 16.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe that this ongoing legal dispute underscores the fierce competition among political leaders in India. While allegations of defamation can be serious, they often serve to highlight the broader issues of accountability and integrity in the political arena. Our commitment remains focused on providing unbiased reporting that reflects the interests of the nation.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Rajeev Chandrasekhar's defamation plea?
Rajeev Chandrasekhar's defamation plea is based on allegations made by Shashi Tharoor, accusing him of bribing voters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which Chandrasekhar claims are false and damaging.
What did the Delhi High Court decide?
The Delhi High Court issued a notice to Shashi Tharoor, seeking his response to Rajeev Chandrasekhar's revision plea against the dismissal of his defamation complaint.
When will the next hearing take place?
The next hearing of Chandrasekhar’s revision plea is scheduled for September 16.
