New Delhi, Dec 14 (UNI) The Supreme Court today ruled that the interim injunction granted by the Bombay High Court against the film magazine, 'Stardust', restraining it from publishing any further articles against Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, would continue till the final disposal of her Rs 20 crore damages suit.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and P Sathasivam in the judgement noted, ''We find that the matter relates to an interim order and while granting leave, the prayer for grant of interim relief was refused.

''In other words, interim order passed by a learned single judge as upheld by the Division Bench continues to be operative.

''Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, we think it proper to dispose of the appeal without interference. We, however, request the High Court to explore the possibility of early disposal of the suit number 36 of 2001.'' The appeal was filed by the Magna Publishers Company Ltd, Publishers of Stardust.

Shilpa had slapped a damages suit demanding Rs 20 crore for publishing articles, which are defamatory in nature and would affect her career.

The articles contain derogatory things about her personal life.

The order of interim relief was passed by the High Court on January 12, 2001.

UNI