The Madras High Court has extended the deadline for former AIADMK MLA R Kumaraguru to decide whether he will hold a public meeting in Mandaveli, Kallakurichi district, to issue an apology. This apology pertains to his use of offensive language against Chief Minister MK Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin during a previous event on September 19, 2023.
Legal Proceedings: In his plea seeking protection from arrest, Kumaraguru faced a single judge bench of Justice G Jayachandran. The court, upon reviewing the FIR and the objectionable language reportedly used by the ex-MLA during the public meeting, found no grounds to grant immediate relief. The court emphasized that issuing secret apologies on social media platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp does not constitute a proportionate act of regret.
Background: The case against Kumaraguru was filed based on a complaint by advocate C Venkatachalam, who serves as the DMK's Kallakurichi South union secretary. Kumaraguru was accused of making defamatory and derogatory statements in the public meeting. The charges filed against him include Sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause a riot), 294b (uttering obscene words), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code.
Interim Decision: While seeking anticipatory bail, Kumaraguru's counsel underscored the importance of a public apology at the same location where the offensive language was initially used. As a result, the court granted him additional time to make a decision. The case has been adjourned to October 11 to allow Kumaraguru's counsel to seek instructions on the matter.
The Madras High Court's decision grants Kumaraguru an extension to determine whether he will issue a public apology for the offensive language used against Chief Minister MK Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The court's interim decision emphasizes the significance of a public apology at the same location where the objectionable language was originally employed.
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