Senior BJP leader H Raja has been sentenced to six months imprisonment in two separate cases for derogatory remarks against DMK MP Kanimozhi and threats to vandalize Periyar’s statues. The convictions follow complaints from 2018 and emphasize accountability in public discourse. Raja’s sentence has been suspended for 30 days to allow for an appeal.
Chennai: Senior BJP leader H Raja has been sentenced to six months imprisonment in two separate cases over “derogatory comments against DMK MP Kanimozhi” and his “threat to raze down the statues of rationalist leader Periyar (EV Ramasamy).” The convictions were pronounced by the Additional Special Court for cases relating to MP/MLAs, Judge G Jayavel, following complaints filed in 2018.
The cases were registered by the Erode district police based on complaints from DMK and the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK). Raja’s remarks were made via his Twitter handle, sparking widespread outrage. The court handed him a six-month sentence and a fine of Rs. 2,000 for his comments against Kanimozhi and an additional six-month term with a fine of Rs. 3,000 for his threat to vandalize Periyar’s statues.
“Raja’s attempts to get the FIRs quashed by the High Court went futile twice,”
with Justice N Anand Venkatesh in 2023 stating that the BJP leader had a ‘proclivity’ to make unsavoury comments which lands him in trouble.” Again in April 2024, Justice G Jayachandran dismissed his petitions, emphasizing that the cases were backed by factual evidence and must go to trial. The MP/MLA court was subsequently directed to expedite the proceedings, which resulted in Raja’s conviction.
While pronouncing the verdict, Judge Jayavel suspended the sentence for 30 days, allowing Raja time to appeal. This temporary relief offers the senior leader a window to challenge the conviction and sentence in a higher court.
The controversial cases stem from Raja’s statements made in 2018, which not only targeted individuals but also raised questions about respecting public sentiments and historical figures. The courts have repeatedly noted his “habit of making provocative comments,” reinforcing the need for accountability in public discourse.
This conviction marks a significant moment in holding public figures accountable for inflammatory statements. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing derogatory remarks and threats, particularly when directed against prominent individuals or cultural icons.
Raja’s legal battle is far from over, as his appeal process will unfold in the coming weeks, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases involving political figures and their public remarks.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
