Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed proceedings in all six defamation cases filed against BJP leader Subramanian Swamy by Tamil Nadu government for his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Justice P N Prakash passed the interim order when Criminal Original Petitions filed by Swamy seeking quashing of defamation cases pending in a trial court came up before him today.

Swamy was present in the court.

The judge also dispensed with Swamy's personal appearance in the trial court with regard to the six cases.

City Public Prosecutor M L Jegan had on behalf of Jayalalithaa filed the cases against Swamy over his statements and tweets which, he contended were defamatory.

The CPP contended that Jayalalithaa is respected and held in high esteem by people of all sections of society and that Swamy's statements were defamatory in nature and without any basis and verification.

In all the cases, Swamy had been asked to appear in person before the trial court.

Speaking to reporters outside the High Court, Swamy welcomed the order.