The Madras High Court has granted an interim stay on all further proceedings before a trial court in Erode district against Seeman, leader of the Naam Tamizhar Katchi, for his speech at Karungalpalayam in the district in December 2008.
Justice S.Nagamuthu passed the interim order on a petition by Mr. Seeman.
The prosecution case was that the speech made by the petitioner would fall within the definition of “unlawful activities.”
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Counsel for the petitioner said that Mr. Seeman speech did not amount to any offence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or under Section 505 (statements conducing the public mischief) of the IPC.
Mr. Justice Nagamuthu said that prima facie he found some force in the argument that though the LTTE was a banned organisation, there was no order under any statute banning any speech to be made in respect of the prohibition, or in support of Sri Lankan Tamils or the banned organisation.
The speech, as recalled by witnesses, would show that the petitioner had expressed his views in respect of the happenings in Sri Lanka. He had not uttered a single word in respect of India’s sovereignty. Nor had he advocated secession. Prima facie, there were arguable points in this case, the judge said, posting the main petition for December 9 for filing a counter and disposal.
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