The Madras High Court on Friday stressed that it is important to respect the prime minister, whoever he is. These statements came at a time when the court refused to grant pre-arrest bail to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA Anita R Radhakrishnan over his remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Vijay.
Following the court’s move, the DMK MLA was arrested for allegedly defamatory statements he made during a public meeting held in Athur recently.
While the court refused to grant bail to the legislator, it said: “In Tamil Nadu, since 1967, people are voted from cinema theatres…whoever he is, you have to respect the chief minister,” the LiveLaw report said.
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On June 20, the MLA reportedly visited Athur Town Panchayat in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu and during a public event there, reportedly made statements against CM Vijay.
Radhakrishnan is believed to have observed that Vijay’s behavior in the association was like that of a person who feels trapped, and he also made remarks about his work in the film industry before entering politics, it was reported. LiveLaw.
Subsequently, a case was registered against him under Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyai Sanhita Act (intentional insult with intent to cause breach of the peace) and Section 353 (2) (statements causing public mischief).
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Radhakrishnan approached the court seeking relief from arrest, but Justice GK Elanthirayan of the Madras High Court refused, saying he should have avoided making such statements, being a MLA himself.
“Being a member of the Legislative Council, what kind of speech did you give? Whatever it was, you have to respect the Prime Minister,” the judge said verbally, as quoted by the Daily Mail. LiveLaw.
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“Can we allow any of Tom, Dick and Harry to make comments against the Prime Minister?”
Senior advocate NR Elango, who was representing the DMK MLA, argued that the present case was not sustainable as there was no provocation during the speech and the statements could only amount to defamation.
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However, the state refuted this claim by saying that the case was filed only because there was some kind of provocation and also said that the DMK MLA did not show any “remorse” for his actions even during the hearing.
“He should not have made such statements. He should have exercised restraint. Even today, there is no remorse. Today we are dealing with the Prime Minister’s Office. Can we allow any Tom, Dick and Harry to make comments against the Prime Minister?” The state said, according to the report.
Following the court order, Radhakrishnan was arrested, sparking protests by DMK cadres who also reportedly blocked the road during police action.
Radhakrishnan was taken to the district superintendent of police office for questioning.
