Chennai: “Since 1967, only people from the cine industry are ruling Tamil Nadu. All the chief ministers from 1967 were from the cinema. We voted them to power. Then what made the former minister make such a speech?” asked Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan while dismissing an anticipatory bail application of former DMK minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan on Friday. Police later arrested him.Radhakrishnan faces a criminal case for his reported derogatory statements against chief minister C Joseph Vijay at a public meeting held on June 20. An FIR was registered against him under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) and 353(2) (public mischief) by Authoor police in Tuticorin district.When the plea came up for hearing on Friday, Justice Ilanthiraiyan observed that the petitioner should not have made such a statement, being a member of the legislative assembly. “Whoever it may be, you have to respect the chief minister,” the judge added.Representing the petitioner, senior advocate N R Elango contended that his speech would not attract the ingredients of the offences charged. He added that the statements made would only fall under criminal defamation, for which a separate procedure of law has been provided. “I am not saying it is defamatory. But if it is defamatory, the procedure contemplated for defamation must be followed,” Elango said.Opposing the plea, the prosecution argued that, being an MLA, the petitioner should have exercised restraint. “Even after registration of the FIR, the petitioner has not shown any remorse. If such conduct is permitted, any Tom, Dick or Harry will make such derogatory statements against the chief minister,” said the govt counsel.
