Tamil Nadu Speaker Seeks Quashing of Defamation Case

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu has filed a plea in the Madras High Court to quash a defamation complaint made by AIADMK spokesperson Babu Murugavel. The complaint alleges that Appavu made defamatory statements at a book release event, claiming that 40 AIADMK MLAs were prepared to defect to DMK after the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Justice G. Jayachandran questioned the basis of the complaint, suggesting that only party leaders could file such claims, and ordered Murugavel to clarify how Appavu's statements constituted defamation. Appavu argues that the complaint lacks proper authorization from AIADMK leadership and is politically motivated. The case has been adjourned to October 22 for further proceedings. Appavu maintains that his statements were not defamatory and that Murugavel's allegations are baseless.