Trial in case against Minister begins

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, DEC. 13. Trial in the case relating to a complaint filed by the former Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, against the Health Minister, Mr. N. Veerasamy, for allegedly defaming her, began in the court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, on Wednesday.

Mr. R. Thiruvadi, editor of `Daily Thanthi', which carried the statement, tendered evidence before the CMM, Mr. S. Sardar Zackria Hussain.

In her complaint on May 6, 1998, the former Chief Minister stated that the Minister had issued a press statement (after the serial blasts in Coimbatore in February 1998) that she had given financial assistance for the purchase of bombs, which she said was per se defamatory. She prayed the court to take the complaint on file and issue process to the accused. The then CMM dismissed the complaint holding that there was no sufficient ground to proceed against the Minister. Following a revision petition, the High Court in August 1998 set aside the trial court's order and directed the CMM to proceed with the complaint in accordance with law. Accordingly, the court took the complaint on file and ordered issue of summons to the Health Minister. During questioning, the Minister had denied the specific allegations made in the complaint.

The court later fixed the date for examining witnesses. After the deposition today, the CMM adjourned the case to January 4.

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Section  : Southern States
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