The Hindu : Two more defamation cases against The Hindu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 08, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Two more defamation cases against The Hindu

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI JULY 7. The number of government-initiated defamation complaints against The Hindu rose to nine today, with two more new cases coming up before the principal sessions judge, M. Jayapaul. (At least eight more complaints are in the process of being taken up, according to sources).

This time, the reports — one on incidents at the inauguration function of the Koyambedu bus terminus and the other on a function attended by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, at a luxury hotel here — were cited as being defamatory in nature by the city public prosecutor.

While authors of both the reports appeared in court, a petition was filed to dispense with the presence of the Editor, the Executive Editor and the Printer and Publisher of the newspaper under Section 205 of CrPC.

The judge then ordered notices on the petitions and posted both the cases for September 22. According to the complainant, the report, `Koyambedu bus terminus inauguration/ serious security lapse, Jayalalithaa leaves in hurry', dated November 19, 2002, "brought down the image of the Chief Minister". Stating that the reported programme went on smoothly, the complaint said the news was published "without verifying the actual facts with authorities".

"The real intent and purpose of the article is something different from the plain meaning of the words used," the complainant alleged, and added that it "tarnished the image of the Chief Minister and the Government".

As for the other news item, `Police insensitive/candidates stranded: security cordon for CM throws IT interview out of gear' dated December 2, 2002, the complainant said: "It is common that whenever there is a function attended by the Chief Minister, it takes precedence over all other meetings and engagements held at that place at that time".

The complainant said the author had "blown the matter out of proportion, tarnishing the image of the Chief Minister in particular and the Government in general".

"The remarks that the guests were put to a harrowing experience and that the professionals were the worst-hit are nothing but the imagination of the author."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Massive recruitment drive begins

Midnight arrests a serious violation: HC

After several years of wait, a govt. job now

`Dismissals cannot be challenged before Administrative Tribunal'

Gopal's father-in-law commits suicide

Faux pas by police at Cuddalore

Selection of Senate nominee for VC search panel opposed

Approach Cauvery tribunal: ryots

Two more defamation cases against The Hindu

Get ready for simultaneous poll, says Stalin

`End unconstitutional acts of Tamil Nadu Govt.'

Bail for 3 employees in Coimbatore