British Indian science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal

A Brit Indian science writer has won the right to rely on the defence of fair comment in a libel action, in a landmark ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The British Chiropractic Association had accused Simon Singh of libel over an article in the Guardian in 2008.

According to the BBC, Dr Singh questioned the claims of some chiropractors over the treatment of certain childhood conditions.

The high court had said the words were fact not opinion - meaning Dr Singh could not use the fair comment defence.

However, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger and Lord Justice Sedley ruled High Court judge Mr Justice Eady had "erred in his approach" last May, and allowed Dr Singh's appeal.

Dr Singh described the ruling as "brilliant", but added that the action had cost 200,000 pounds "just to define the meaning of a few words".

"After two years of battling in this libel case, at last we've got a good decision. So instead of battling uphill we're fighting with the wind behind us," he said.