S. Manimaran, Editor of Madurai-based Tamil daily Dinabhoomi , has withdrawn his complaint to the Press Council of India (PCI), alleging high-handed behaviour of policemen in arresting him and his son in July 2010 following critical writings on illegal granite mining.
PCI Chairman Markandey Katju, during an inquiry committee meeting on Friday, expressed ire at the inaction of the Tamil Nadu government in arresting and charge-sheeting 30 police personnel who allegedly barged into the complainant’s house in the night and dragged him and his son out. They took them to the magistrate and got their remand. He asked the State government to either quit or run the administration in accordance with the Constitution.
It is learnt that Mr. Manimaran withdrew the complaint on Friday evening.
When contacted, PCI member U. Lakshman confirmed that Mr. Manimaran had given a letter withdrawing the complaint. However, the decision taken by the inquiry committee at the Friday meeting will not be kept in abeyance.
Both parties (the State government and the editor) will be issued notices to appear at the next meeting when a decision will be taken. The PCI has two inquiry committees and decisions taken by either will be accepted later by a full-fledged council meeting.
