 |
|
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice on the defamation case filed against Shashi Tharoor by BJP leader Rajeev Babbar, stemming from Tharoor's alleged 'scorpion on a shivling' remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This notice comes after the Delhi High Court dismissed Tharoor's plea to quash the proceedings, upholding the trial court's 2019 order summoning him. The case has sparked debate surrounding the use of metaphors in political discourse and the boundaries of free speech.
Tharoor's lawyers argued that his statement was a quote from an RSS leader and should be considered a metaphor, not a direct insult. In November 2018, Tharoor allegedly compared PM Modi to “a scorpion sitting on a Shivling,” a remark he termed an “extraordinarily striking metaphor.” The Supreme Court, surprised by the defamation case, expressed its opinion on the use of metaphors, stating that they often convey truth succinctly. The court questioned why someone would be offended by such a statement, considering a metaphor's ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
The Supreme Court's decision to issue a notice and stay further proceedings in the case is a significant development. It indicates the court's recognition of the potential for misinterpretation in political rhetoric and the importance of protecting freedom of expression. The Supreme Court has now granted an interim stay on the trial proceedings, effectively preventing Tharoor from having to appear in trial court. This stay will remain in effect until the next hearing, which is scheduled to take place in four weeks.
The case highlights the challenges in balancing freedom of expression with the right to reputation. While the Supreme Court's decision is a positive step towards protecting freedom of speech, it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the merits of the case. The outcome will have implications for the scope of permissible political discourse in India and the role of the judiciary in regulating it.
Source: Don't understand what was offensive: Relief to Shashi Tharoor in defamation case