Supreme Court Suggests Closure of Defamation Case Against Shashi Tharoor Over Modi Remark
- Posted on August 1, 2025
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- By Arijit Dutta
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The Supreme Court suggested closing the defamation case against Shashi Tharoor for his 2018 “scorpion on a Shivling” remark about PM Modi. The court questioned the need to continue, though it agreed to hear it later. The case was filed by BJP’s Rajiv Babbar for hurting religious sentiments.
The Supreme Court on Friday indicated that it may bring to a close the criminal defamation case filed against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor over his controversial 2018 remark involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case stems from Tharoor's reference to a statement made by an unnamed RSS leader who likened Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling," a metaphor that sparked outrage.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and NK Singh heard the matter, during which Tharoor’s lawyer sought an adjournment. Meanwhile, the complainant’s counsel, representing BJP leader Rajiv Babbar, requested the case be listed on a non-miscellaneous day. Justice Sundresh, however, questioned the need for prolonging the matter, asking, “Why do you want to be touchy about all this? Let us close all this.”
Despite the court’s suggestion, senior advocate Pinky Anand maintained the case would still need to be argued. The bench agreed and scheduled the matter for another day, while continuing the interim stay order that had been granted in September 2024.
Tharoor had approached the Supreme Court challenging an earlier Delhi High Court ruling that refused to quash the defamation proceedings. The case was originally filed by BJP’s Rajiv Babbar in 2018, alleging that Tharoor’s comment hurt his religious sentiments.
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The controversial remark resurfaced after Tharoor cited it in public, calling it “an extraordinarily striking metaphor.” Though he did not originate the comment, his public repetition of it led to legal action. The top court’s recent remarks signal a possible end to the prolonged legal battle, reflecting its view that political figures must be more resilient to criticism.
