In the first case of its kind in Singapore, 21-year-old local blogger, Han Hui Hui, applies to the High Court for a declaration that the Council for Private Education (CPE), a statutory body, is not entitled to bring any defamation action against her. Her counsel, human rights lawyer M Ravi, is arguing that the freedom of speech and expression, enshrined in article 14 of the Singapore Constitution, protects citizens from any defamation proceedings by the government and public bodies.
The right to sue for defamation is reserved only for individuals and private entities.
The CPE had threatened Han with defamation proceedings by way of letter of demand through their lawyers, following two emails they received from the latter which they regarded as defamatory.
Han now seeks protection against this threat via the constitution and the ordinary laws of the land.
More updates to follow.