The PMK leader, S. Ramadoss, on Thursday got a relief with the Madras High Court dispensing with his appearance in a defamation case before the Ariyalur court. However, he should appear before the trial court as and when it gave a direction in this regard for making any progress or effective hearing of the case.
Justice P. Devadass passed the order on a petition by Dr. Ramadoss seeking to quash the case. The petitioner submitted that he addressed a PMK meeting at the Kamarajar Thidal, Ariyalur, on February 7 this year in which he explained the situation in Tamil Nadu. He never spoke against the Chief Minister. But the Public Prosecutor, Ariyalur district, had filed a complaint before the Principal District and Sessions Judge against him for allegedly defaming the Chief Minister. He said the complaint against him was a “total misuse of power” and had been made with a “mala fide intention for political vendetta.” The judge ordered notice on a plea by Dr.Ramadoss seeking to stay the proceedings before trial court, for filing of counter.
