Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam today moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order summoning him in a criminal defamation complaint filed by BJP MP Smriti Irani for allegedly using derogatory and indecent language against her during a TV debate last December.

The plea is likely to be listed for hearing tomorrow. Filing the plea against the trial court's March 11 order, Nirupam said the magistrate's order taking cognizance of the complaint is "bad in law".

"The magistrate without application of mind and contrary to law came to take cognisance on the material to issue summons," the plea said. Alleging that the complainant has suppressed material, the Congress leader said "there is nothing in the imputed sentences to make it defamation against Irani."