SC upholds validity of defamation law

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the constitutional validity of penal laws on defamation.

The Supreme Court  said it had  directed magistrates across the country to observe extreme caution while issuing summons in private defamation complaints.

Deciding pleas of Rahul Gandhi,  Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and others, ourt said  it would be open



to them to move High Court against summons issued in defamation cases. Till they move HC within 8 weeks, interim protection to continue and criminal proceedings to remain stayed before trial court, added SC.

During the hearing the court said  Rahul's plea for protection be taken up in July after Kapil Sibal, appearing for him, said the Congress  leader has to appear on July 19.