DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin has approached the Madras High Court Bench here with a plea to quash a criminal defamation case pending against him before the Principal District and Sessions Court in Dindigul for a speech delivered by him at a public meeting in Dindigul on June 6, 2013.

Stating that he had fairly criticised the stand of the State government on various issues such as Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, shortage of electricity and foisting of land grabbing cases on DMK party cadres, the petitioner said such criticism by a Member of the Legislative Assembly and leader of a main opposition party could not be termed as ‘criminal defamation.’ Citing the ongoing Assembly Session and his consequent inability to attend the proceedings before the Sessions Court, he urged the High Court to stay all further proceedings before the lower court in the defamation case and dispense with his appearance till a final order was passed.