Linked Edappadi Palaniswami with Kodanad case only on the basis of media reports, Udhayanidhi Stalin tells Madras High Court
The Hindu
CHENNAIDMK youth wing secretary accuses AIADMK general secretary of involvement in Kodanad estate heist-murder case based on media reports.
DMK youth wing secretary and Tamil Nadu Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday told the Madras High Court that he had issued a statement linking AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami with the 2017 Kodanad estate heist-cum-murder case only on the basis of media reports.
In a counter affidavit to an application filed by Mr. Palaniswami to restrain the Minister from making such defamatory allegations, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin invoked the defence of justification and said, he made the alleged defamatory statements by believing them to be true on account of numerous media reports.
“The role of the applicant and his connection to the Kodanad murder-robbery case has been widely reported, deliberated and discussed in a myriad of news articles and has been part of public discourse. Consequently, it cannot be said that the applicant is not even remotely connected with the case,” the counter read.
It went on to state: “It is apparent that there are tangible resources connecting the applicant with the Kodanad murder-robbery case and the statements made by the respondent are on that strength, constituting reasonable verification in line with the standards prescribed by this honourable court as well as the Supreme Court.”
Denying the charge of malice and claiming that the statements were made with a bona fide intention, the Minister contended it would entitle him to the protection against issuance of a blanket gag order restraining him from making any fair comment about the police investigation into the crime.
“I submit that such a blanket gag order in the form of an interim injunction would have a chilling effect and directly affect the right to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution,” the counter affidavit filed by the Minister through his counsel on record S. Manuraj, read.
Pointing out that Mr. Palaniswami was the Chief Minister when the crime took place at the summer abode of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in 2017, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin said his statements were related to Mr. Palaniswami’s performance as a public servant and made purely in public interest.
M. Suhaib, Additional District Judge, Kozhikode, suspended for alleged misconduct towards female court employee in official chamber.
Foundation laid for new auditorium at Sivakasi Government Arts and Science College with financial support from local businesses.
Telangana to introduce new clean energy policy to meet rising energy demands sustainably, aiming for 20,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030.
The girl, who was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital with alarming breathlessness and significant pallor, was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA), a rare autoimmune condition that causes spontaneous bleeding in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.
Kalaburagi District Police Dog Squad bids emotional farewell to Reeta, a crucial part of operations and investigations.