The police have sought the custody of Kovan alias Sivadass, an office-bearer of the People’s Art and Literary Association in Tiruchi, who was arrested on charges of sedition for his song seeking prohibition in the State.
When the artiste was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, a copy of the police plea seeking his custody was given to him. Though counsel appearing for the accused sought to file his counter by Friday, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S. Ganesan adjourned the case to Thursday.
Before the accused was produced in the court, police tried to prevent journalists from watching the proceedings by evicting them from the court hall.
After a strong protest by the journalists, including women scribes, and supporting voices from advocates in the hall, they were allowed to be present.
“I will continue to sing”
Talking to reporters before he was produced in the court, Kovan said, “I will continue to fight. I will continue to sing. People might call this derogatory and say it is a personal attack. But if you go and ask people who have been affected because of this evil, their expressions are stronger than what I have expressed.
“If the government really cares about the welfare of the people, it should go to the womenfolk and listen to their language. Tasmac has affected every family. This is not a problem of the high society. I will not stop singing. I will continue to fight seeking prohibition,” Kovan said in Tamil.
