Shashi Tharoor cleared of all charges relating to Sunanda Pushkar’s death

A Special Court in Delhi Wednesday cleared Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of all charges in the case pertaining to the mysterious death of his wife, Sunanda Pushkar, in 2014.

Special Judge Geetanjli Goel passed the order discharging Tharoor finding no sufficient material and grounds to frame charges against him.

Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in a luxury hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014.

The Delhi Police in its charge sheet had named Tharoor as an accused of offences under Sections 498A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment of suicide).

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, for Tharoor, had argued that there was no truth in the allegations made against his client's extramarital affair, describing it as a "figment of imagination". Besides, he argued, the prosecution had not alleged any mental or physical torture.

Reacting to the verdict, Tharoor said the order brings a significant conclusion to the long nightmare that had enveloped him after the tragic passing of his wife.

"I have weathered dozens of unfounded accusations and media vilification patiently, sustained by my faith in the Indian judiciary, which today stands vindicated", Tharoor said.