The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought a response from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on a plea filed by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, challenging the dismissal of his defamation complaint.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued notice on Chandrasekhar’s revision petition against the magisterial court’s February 4 order, observing that the matter "requires consideration."

Chandrasekhar has accused Tharoor of making “false and derogatory” statements on national television, alleging that he bribed voters in the Thiruvananthapuram constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to the BJP leader, Tharoor made these remarks with the intent to damage his reputation and influence the election outcome, despite knowing the claims to be untrue.

During the hearing, Chandrasekhar’s senior counsel argued that the trial court overlooked key evidence and erred in concluding that the complaint did not establish a case of defamation.

The trial court, in its February 4 order, had declined to summon Tharoor, holding that the complaint did not prima facie reveal the necessary elements of defamation.

The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on September 16.