The Madras High Court has given former AIADMK MLA, R Kumaraguru, until October 11 to decide on conducting a public meeting in Mandaveli, Kallakurichi district, to tender a formal apology. This directive is a response to Kumaraguru’s offensive remarks aimed at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin during an event held at the same location on September 19, 2023.
Justice G Jayachandran, overseeing the case, scrutinized the nature of Kumaraguru’s comments. The judge pointedly remarked,
“Having made objectionable utterance in the public meeting, secret communication on Twitter and WhatsApp is not proportionate act of regret.”
This statement was in reaction to the defense put forth by Kumaraguru’s counsel. They argued that after realizing the inappropriate nature of his comments against the Chief Minister and his son, who also serves as a minister, Kumaraguru had conveyed his regret through Twitter and WhatsApp.
The legal proceedings against Kumaraguru were initiated based on a complaint lodged by Advocate C Venkatachalam, who holds the position of DMK’s Kallakurichi South union secretary. The former MLA was charged with making defamatory and derogatory remarks during a public gathering. As a result, he faced accusations under Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 294b (uttering obscene words), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code.
Anticipating his arrest, Kumaraguru sought anticipatory bail from the High Court. However, the court, underscoring the importance of a public apology, especially given the venue’s significance, adjourned the matter to October 11. This move was to provide Kumaraguru’s counsel with more time to receive further instructions on the matter.
