Elangovan, Nakkeeran editor summoned in defamation case

The Principal Sessions Court here on Tuesday ordered issuance of summons to Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President (TNCC) E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Editor of Tamil magazine Nakkeeran R. R. Gopal and two others in connection with three separate criminal defamation complaints filed against them.

On May 11, the Tamil Nadu government moved a complaint under Sections 499 (criminal defamation) and 500 of the Indian Penal Code against Mr. Elangovan alleging that the Congress leader in an interview to a private television channel made defamatory statements against the Tamil Nadu Governor in connection with the appointments made to the post of Vice-Chancellors of the State Universities.

A week later, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa moved a criminal defamation charge against Mr. Elangovan contending that his comments were defamatory in nature.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Principal Sessions Judge ordered summons directing Mr. Elangovan to appear before the court on August 4.

On June 2, Ms. Jayalalithaa moved a criminal defamation complaint against Tamil weekly Nakkeeran for allegedly publishing defamatory reports against her.

Moving the complaint on behalf of the Chief Minister, the City Public Prosecutor M.L. Jegan stated that the May 20-23 issue of the Tamil weekly published a news article under the title ‘

Containeril Pannam Pathukkal; Marraikapatta Unmaigal. Sikkiya Aavanangal ’ (Hoarding of cash in containers; Hidden truths, Seized documents). Alleging that the entire report is baseless, untrue and defamatory, Mr. Jegan prayed the court to initiate criminal defamation proceedings against Mr. Gopal, special correspondent Dhamodharan Prakash, and reporter Arun. Admitting the complaint, the judge ordered summons to the three directing them to appear before the court on August 5.

One complaint against TNCC chief for remarks against Governor, the other for reports against CM