HC raps film director for not complying with bail conditions

The Madras High Court today pulled up noted film director Bharathiraja for not complying with bail conditions.

"There were umpteen number of reports saying that Bharathiraja was participating in various programmes. Why can't he approach the lower court and seek advance bail, as stipulated by the court earlier?" Justice S Rajamanickam asked.

The judge, however, issued notice to the complainant, Narayanan, and posted the matter for further hearing on July 17.

Narayanan had lodged a complaint with police alleging that Bharathiraja had made derogatory remarks against Lord Vinayaka at a meeting here on January 18.

Apprehending arrest, Bharathiraja had moved the high court for advance bail, which was granted on May 23.

One of the bail conditions directed him to appear before police daily for three weeks and thereafter, surrender before the magistrate court for advance bail.

However, Bharathiraja did not approach the magistrate court.

As the stipulated period ended, he moved the high court again with the present petition today seeking more time to appear before the magistrate court.