HC declines to quash proceedings against Vijayakant

Dismissing Vijayakant's petition, Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar said, "a perusal of the statement extracted in the government order as well as in the complaint, shows that there is prima facie material to proceed against the petitioner for defamation."

DMDK leader Vijayakant had sought to quash a government order (GO) dated November 11 this year, sanctioning for prosecution against him, after he allegedly made some remarks over the reputation of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, in a speech at a public meeting at Theni.

Vijayakant had contended mere criticism of the Chief Minister by him, in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition, cannot be a reason for initiation of criminal proceedings for defamation.

He further contended he had criticised the government with good intention, good faith and for public good and there was no malice.

The government had filed a complaint under IPC Sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation).

"As prima facie is made out to sanction prosecution and the complaint is now pending...No case is made out to interfere with the GO as well as the complaint pending before the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Theni," the judge said.