Defamation complaints have been lodged with a sessions court against AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP state president K Annamalai. The complaints pertain to their remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin regarding alleged drug distribution in TN. Filed separately on Thursday, City Public Prosecutor G Devarajan aims to prosecute the two individuals for offenses under section 499 and 500 IPC (Defamation).
Tamil Nadu state government on Thursday has taken legal steps against two prominent political figures, BJP State head K Annamalai and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami. The accusations stem from their public statements that allegedly linked Chief Minister MK Stalin to illicit drug distribution activities within the state.
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The legal complaints, filed in the Principal District and Sessions Court at Chennai, accuse both Annamalai and Palaniswami of making defamatory remarks with the intention of maligning the Chief Minister’s reputation, particularly concerning his efforts to combat drug peddling. The Tamil Nadu government, through the city public prosecutor, has lodged two criminal defamation cases under Section 199(2) of the CrPC read with Section 500 of the IPC, asserting that these statements were made with
“a malicious intent of gaining unjust political advantage and intending to harm the reputation of the Chief Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of public functions.”
The complaints highlight the government’s initiatives towards maintaining a “Drug-free Tamil Nadu,” pointing out the Chief Minister’s active role in enforcing laws against drug cultivation and distribution. The government’s efforts include maintaining the “Zero Cultivation” status of Ganja and combating interstate drug cartels, alongside launching various awareness programs to educate the youth about the dangers of drug addiction.
City Public Prosecutor G Devarajan, in his submissions, emphasized that the Chief Minister has been at the forefront of the battle against narcotics, as evidenced by the Policy Note 2023-2024 of the Department of Home, Prohibition, and Excise. He argued that the defamatory statements not only lack evidence but also undermine the principles of ethical governance and public trust, potentially causing “irreparable harm upon the social fabric of the State.”
The complaints seek judicial action against Annamalai and Palaniswami for offenses under Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC, urging the court to uphold justice and integrity in public service. In response to the allegations, AIADMK leader and former minister D Jayakumar remarked that filing cases against party leaders has become a ‘routine’ for the current administration since their ascent to power in 2021. He asserted,
“We will certainly face it, people know the truth,”
indicating a readiness to contest the accusations in court.
This legal battle marks a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political narrative, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly attract public and media attention, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of state politics and the importance of maintaining decorum in public discourse.
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