Now Reading: Madras HC issues notice to MK Stalin, DMK IT Wing in Rs 1 crore defamation suit
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Madras HC issues notice to MK Stalin, DMK IT Wing in Rs 1 crore defamation suit
Madras HC issues notice to MK Stalin, DMK IT Wing in Rs 1 crore defamation suit
The Madras High Court on Friday issued notices to former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin and the party's IT Wing in a Rs 1 crore civil defamation suit…
The Madras High Court on Friday issued notices to former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin and the party's IT Wing in a Rs 1 crore civil defamation suit filed by state minister Aadhav Arjuna. The suit concerns an X post by the DMK IT Wing that allegedly linked Arjuna to John Britto, an accused in a narcotics case involving banned substances worth Rs 258 crore.
Justice K Govindarajan Thilakavadi issued the notices after hearing Arjuna's counsel, with the notices returnable by September 15. Arjuna, a leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, told the court the post was 'ex facie false' and defamatory, and denied any connection with the accused. He has sought a declaration that the post is defamatory, Rs 1 crore compensation, a permanent injunction against similar statements, and an unconditional apology from Stalin and the DMK IT Wing.
Arjuna argued the post was published on Stalin's instructions, as he exercises complete control over party affairs. The court noted senior counsel J Ravindran had entered appearance for Stalin and the DMK IT Wing. Arjuna had earlier issued a legal notice in June demanding a public apology, alleging the DMK was wilfully tarnishing his image.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Defamation suits against political rivals are not uncommon in Tamil Nadu, but a sitting minister suing a former chief minister and a major party's official wing escalates the conflict into a legal arena. The core of Arjuna's case hinges on whether the DMK's IT Wing acted on Stalin's direct instructions, which would shift liability from the party functionary to its leadership. The Madras High Court is known for its strict application of the Defamation Act, and the September 15 deadline for responses will force the DMK to either contest the claims or seek an out-of-court settlement. Given the Rs 1 crore compensation sought and the demand for a high-profile apology, this case could set a precedent for how social media posts by political party handles are treated as official statements under defamation law.
The real test is whether the DMK will argue that the post was the act of an individual social media manager or that the party stands by its claim of a connection between Arjuna and the accused.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
