Attorney General v. Nadesan – 1978_79_80 volume 1 page 339

In the case between the Attorney General and Nadesan, the court addressed whether the respondent’s published “Special Commentary” constituted a defamatory statement or a breach of the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act by improperly reflecting on the proceedings and character of the National State Assembly. The court held that the respondent’s critical comments, while pointed, did not exceed the bounds of acceptable criticism and did not amount to an offence under the Act. The principle reaffirmed is that robust criticism of legislative proceedings or members is permissible provided it does not transgress into defamation or breach of privilege as defined by statute. Reliance was placed on statutory interpretation, constitutional provisions, and established precedents concerning priv