The Supreme Court will hear Shashi Tharoor’s plea seeking to quash the defamation case over his controversial ‘scorpion sitting on a Shivling’ remark about PM Modi. The case raises key questions on free speech and legal standing.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s plea seeking to quash a defamation case filed against him for his controversial “scorpion” remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The bench, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and SC Sharma, indicated that the matter raises a crucial legal question regarding defamation law.
During the proceedings, Tharoor’s counsel argued that the key issue is determining who qualifies as an “aggrieved person” with the legal standing to file a defamation case. The court responded that it will provide clarity on this crucial matter.
The case has been scheduled to be listed for further hearing in February 2026.
This development comes amid growing public interest in the limits of free speech and the legal definitions surrounding defamation in India. Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s clarification on the term “aggrieved person” could have far-reaching implications for defamation suits in the country.
Background
The defamation case against Shashi Tharoor dates back to a controversial remark he allegedly made in November 2018 at the Bangalore Literature Festival, where he compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “scorpion sitting on a Shivling.” The statement drew strong criticism from BJP leaders and supporters of the Prime Minister, prompting BJP leader Rajiv Babbar to file a defamation complaint.
Tharoor challenged the trial court summons, but the Delhi High Court refused to quash the proceedings in August 2023, leading him to approach the Supreme Court. The case continues to attract public attention due to its political and religious sensitivity.
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