Tamil Nadu Speaker M. Appavu has been directed by a special court to appear in person on September 9 in connection with a defamation case filed against him. The case was filed after Appavu made a statement claiming that several AIADMK MLAs were prepared to join the DMK following the demise of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

The defamation case was initiated by Babu Murugavel, who alleged that Appavu’s comments were defamatory. The case is currently being heard in the special court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs.

During the hearing, the court issued an order requiring Appavu to be present in court on September 9. The case has been adjourned until that date.