Former Minister C.V. Shanmugam Wins Legal Battle in Madras High Court!
Former Minister and senior AIADMK leader C.V. Shanmugam has secured a major legal victory as the Madras High Court quashed the cases filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Background of the Case
During public meetings held in Villupuram and surrounding districts, C.V. Shanmugam was accused of making derogatory remarks about CM Stalin.
In 2022, while addressing a public gathering in Tindivanam, Shanmugam strongly criticized the DMK government, allegedly making defamatory statements against the Chief Minister. Based on complaints, the Tindivanam Police registered a case against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
A total of three cases were filed against him in different locations.
Petition to Quash the Cases
Claiming that the cases were politically motivated, C.V. Shanmugam filed a petition in the Madras High Court requesting the court to dismiss the charges against him.
In his petition, he argued that:
- The DMK government was using legal cases as a tool to suppress opposition voices.
- The cases were filed not to protect law and order but to silence political criticism.
- The right to free speech and political criticism is an essential part of democracy.
The case was heard by Justice G. Jayachandran, who allowed both parties to present their arguments before delivering the verdict.
Madras High Court’s Verdict
Justice G. Jayachandran, after hearing the arguments, acknowledged that C.V. Shanmugam’s remarks were harsh and inappropriate but clarified that:
- Defamatory speech alone does not automatically disrupt public peace.
- Cases under IPC sections related to public disorder and communal unrest cannot be applied simply because of a political speech.
- Political criticism is a fundamental right, and criminal cases should not be misused to stifle opposition voices.
With this reasoning, the court quashed all three cases filed against C.V. Shanmugam.
Court’s Warning for the Future
Although Shanmugam was relieved from the charges, Justice Jayachandran issued a stern warning stating that:
- He should refrain from making such controversial and defamatory remarks in the future.
- If his statements cause any public unrest in the future, stricter legal action would be taken against him.
Political Reactions
Following the court’s decision, AIADMK leaders expressed happiness, calling it a victory against political vendetta. C.V. Shanmugam himself stated that the DMK’s attempt to suppress opposition voices through legal cases had failed.
On the other hand, DMK leaders criticized the verdict, arguing that such rulings might encourage more defamatory political speeches in the future. Some party members felt that this could set a dangerous precedent, blurring the line between political criticism and defamation.
